It Volunteer Roles

About Roots Academy 

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

We are seeking a creative and motivated UX Designer to collaborate closely with our UX  Design Lead and Digital team in building and enhancing the Roots app, website, as well as the instructor, student, and partner portals. This role is crucial in ensuring our platforms are user-friendly, accessible, and aligned with the needs of our user base. The ideal candidate will also bring user research capabilities to the team, ensuring that our design decisions are informed by real-world insights and user feedback.

Key tasks

• Support the UX Design Lead to create intuitive and user-centred designs for the Roots app and portals - Student and Instructor.

• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that align with user needs and project goals.

• Conduct user research/workshops to gather insights and identify user needs, pain points, and behaviours.

• Create user personas, journey maps, and other research artefacts to guide design decisions.

• Test and validate design concepts through user testing and feedback sessions.

• Work closely with the Digital team and our developers to ensure seamless implementation of designs.

• Ensure all design work meets brand guidelines and project objectives.

What we’re looking for

• Proficiency in Figma

• Previous experience with Android, Apple and web applications design

• Knowledge using illustrator and photoshop is a plus

• Knowledge of user-centred design principles and best practices.

• Ability to translate user research findings into actionable design solutions.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

Volunteer Fundraising team leader

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role:

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We're looking for someone with:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Thank you for joining us and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection.

Trustee – Sussex Cancer Fund 

Since 1991, the Sussex Cancer Fund has been working together with the NHS to help make life better for cancer patients in Sussex, by providing equipment, facilities and services that make a tangible difference for patients who are often on a difficult and stressful journey. We also selectively fund and enable Sussex based cancer research programs that contribute to the understanding of cancers and to improved outcomes for patients.

This is a wonderful opportunity to join our top-quality leadership team and to contribute to achieving our strategic goals and delivering on our annual plans to invest in the NHS cancer units across Sussex. 

This is a voluntary position, with reasonable travel expenses paid. It is expected the successful candidate will live in Sussex and bring a wealth of experience as a leader, in for example, the medical, care, retail or hospitality sectors, focusing on providing outstanding service to patients / clients / customers.

Experience in the ‘Not for Profit’ sector is welcome but not essential. We value transferable governance and leadership experience from a range of sectors. We are looking for a trustee who will bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to this key role. 

The Sussex Cancer Fund is an equal opportunity charity – all applicants will be considered without paying attention to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. 

As an awareness talk volunteer, you'll deliver awareness talks about bowel cancer symptoms, screening and our services to local organisations and community groups. We provide a standardised powerpoint presentation that can be presented either virtually (optional) or in person in your local community. 

Main duties and responsibilities
• Confident in delivering bowel cancer awareness material to a range of audiences either
online or in person
• Act as an ambassador for what we do, displaying enthusiasm and commitment
• Aim to deliver 12 talks per year. This is an aspirational and flexible target
• Ensure information in the local community is relevant and up-to-date
• Add your personal experience of bowel cancer to the presentation (where appropriate)
• Establish connections with local organisations and community groups

We are looking for someone to lead a support group for people both living with and affected by Motor Neurone Disease, at our local in person support group meeting in Redbridge, that we are launching, on a weekday, once a month

What’s involved?

• Organise once a month in person support group meetings, held on a weekday, or drop-ins for people living with MND, their families and carers

• Send invites - where appropriate

• Arrange, organise and serve refreshments (all expenses can be claimed back of course!)

• Ensure that all who attend the events feel welcome, included and have an enjoyable social experience

• Regular check in' and communication with Community Support Coordinator

• Lead and manage, group support volunteers

This role will suit me if I:

• Am a good communicator

• Have good organisational skills

• Have warm and empathetic manner

• Am a team player

• Am able to encourage people to come along and meet others

What’s in it for me? • Become part of a friendly and dedicated team

• Make a positive impact to the lives of people affected by MND

• Get access to a range of workshops and events

• Paid expenses

How flexible is the role?

Support Meeting Lead, work from home for approximately 1 to 2 hours a week and attend in person monthly meetings (approx. 3/4 hours).

What sort of training/induction will I receive before starting?

You’ll be inducted with training into the role and informed about the Association, with full support from the Community Support Coordinator.

We are looking for someone who is dedicated and committed, that will work with the Community Support Coordinator to establish an in person support group in Redbridge.

The volunteer group support lead, must be committed to this role and attend every in person monthly meeting, with exceptions of holidays/sickness, where conversations with the Community Support Coordinator must take place in order to arrange appropriate cover in a timely manner.

We are looking for someone to be a part of the recruitment process when looking to expand the group volunteer support team.

We are looking for someone that is comfortable with initial expenses of refreshments and biscuits for each group, which will be reimbursed upon submission of expense form and receipts

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility allows you to make a difference in your local community, allowing us to help and support everyone to have a voice that counts.  The roles we have available will challenge you, developing your communication skills, allowing you to gain professional experience that can be used in your future career, learn new things about yourself and others, meet new people, and have fun.

Volunteer Positions Available

We're recruiting for the following voluntary positions:

• Relevant Persons' Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer
• Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteers

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns
• Keep detailed notes and records
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to register your expression of interest

To find out more click on “Apply Now” and fill out our short expression of interest form.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility allows you to make a difference in your local community, allowing us to help and support everyone to have a voice that counts.  The roles we have available will challenge you, developing your communication skills, allowing you to gain professional experience that can be used in your future career, learn new things about yourself and others, meet new people, and have fun.

Volunteer Positions Available

We're recruiting for the following voluntary positions:

• Relevant Persons' Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteers

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 

• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 

• Raise concerns 

• Keep detailed notes and records 

• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to register your expression of interest

To find out more click on “Apply Now” and fill out our short expression of interest form.

Our Peripatetic Team provide front-line support to Solace’s Advice, Community and accommodation-based Services across London. Crisis Intervention Workers enable our services to deliver a consistent high standard of service.

The team was created in order to have trained, skilled staff ready to cover gaps in service and facilitate the continued smooth running of services, proactively supporting women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. They are required to go into different teams and quickly establish themselves and provide support in times where staff teams may be struggling.

About the Role

The peripatetic team looks to support our different services when they are in crisis as such this role requires someone who is comfortable with change and can adapt to different services as they will move from team to team.
We need understanding and organised individuals who are keen to learn and develop skills in a variety of areas, are able to build relationships quickly and are able to work independently and also as part of a team.
Volunteers may be assigned to a new team for a duration ranging from a few days to a month, depending on the service needs.
The ideal volunteer will have a good telephone manner, excellent communication skills and be able to show empathy to service users. Volunteers will be given an extensive induction and will learn how to best support those who are experiencing or who have experienced abuse. They will support teams in a variety of ways, overseen by one central manager. The roles and tasks include:

• Perform administration tasks e.g. data entry, uploading minutes
• Answering duty line calls
• Contacting service users to check in, researching and making onward referrals.
• Researching local organisations and assisting to keep stakeholders up to date.
• Complete exit questionnaires and surveys.
• Promote service user involvement and send out relevant information and assist teams to organise events/feedback
  sessions.

Who are we looking for?

We think you’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Understanding of violence against women and girls issues and a desire to build on this.
• Confidence in using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to be well organised.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Tact and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Good listening skills and an empathic, non-judgemental approach.
• A willingness to learn and be open to new ideas
• An individual who works to be inclusive and kind

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to

• Gain experience and understanding of Violence against Women and Girls.
• Gain knowledge and awareness of abuse, safety planning, risk management options available to service users.
• Build skills around advocacy and negotiation.
• Enabling service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Improving IT skills and data management.
• Having a line manager who will create a plan with you around what you would like from this experience
• Have support of the Peri team and be buddied up with a staff member

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

Marie Curie is expanding its Community Companion service to support people at end of life in/across Bournemouth

Drawing upon their volunteer training, community knowledge and networks, Community Companions visit people identified as end of life in a place of their choosing e.g., their own home, care home, community venue or surgery etc. and empower them to decide what support if any, they would like.

Support may be a one-off activity or an ongoing engagement providing different aspects of support over a longer period of time. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

The support a Community Companion provides is unique to each person and their individual circumstances, but is likely to include:  

• visiting people identified as end of life in a place of their choosing and outlining the support that is available to them and to the people closest to them
• providing emotional support to people at end of life and the people closest to them
• providing practical information, support, and signposting to other local services to people at end of life and the people closest to them
• supporting and empowering people at end of life to create an advanced care plan (ACP) which considers, documents, and clearly communicates what is important to them
• providing carer support including pre and post bereavement support, ensuring the right local provision-based support is in place for people within caring roles 
• providing support around fuel poverty and accessing available resources 
• promoting the Community Companion service within the local community
• completing and returning a short report at the end of each session  
• attending and participating in regular volunteer wellbeing sessions, team meetings, and refresher training

THE SKILLS / EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

• Friendly and approachable 
• Patient, empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others
• An active listener and an ability to build a rapport with others
• Self-aware and emotionally resilient
• Adaptable and open to learning and developing
• Able and willing to operate within Marie Curie’s boundaries and to follow all processes, procedures and guidelines including using a lone worker device
• Committed, reliable and trustworthy
• An understanding of confidentiality
• Inclusive and respectful  
• A mature perspective on life and death
• Access to a PC, laptop, Tablet or Phone and basic IT skills e.g. the ability to type on word and email attachments  

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY

• Becoming an important part of Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity
• Making a real difference to people at end of life and to the people closest to them
• Connecting with new and interesting people with a common goal
• Building and developing your skills in a supportive environment
• Continued training, development, and support 
• Access to other opportunities within Marie Curie 
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

THE NEXT STEPS 

• Complete a volunteering application form or submit an expression of interest 
• Attend an informal interview with a member of the Marie Curie team either face to face or online via Microsoft Teams
• Supply the details of two people (not family members) who can provide you with a reference
• Consent to a DBS (criminal record) check and submit the appropriate documentation online for the check to be completed 
• Attend a face-to-face volunteer induction
• Complete core and role specific Marie Curie training

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users. 

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please us.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures and the charity has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998. We provide support to men between the ages of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their community for up to 12 months.

In London, services are delivered at HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can spare half a day per week to support young men to change their life by acting as an inspirational role model and helping with goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week; allowing enough time for travel and liaising with Trailblazers staff will take about half a day.

Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his own community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and to give a person a sense of hope for the future. As a charity we are reliant on volunteers; with your help we can continue to support people in prison to make and change to their lives, their family and wider society. We welcome all skill sets within Trailblazers as we work with a diverse group of men, all we ask if you have a genuine passion for social change and that you can commit to at least 1 young man for up to 12 months, so they have a consistent person in their life - something that some of our mentees have never had. The national average re-offending rate for a person leaving prison is up to 55%, the rate for those who have a Trailblazers mentor is lowered to 9%. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, underrepresented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. More information and the application form can be found on the website. 

Role activities:

• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.

• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.

• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.

• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.

• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.

• To report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• To follow relevant policies and procedures. 

• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation.

• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees.

• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions. 

• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements.

• Support the mentee to meet identified goals.

• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor.

• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 12 months.

• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee. 

Skills/behaviours/knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given. 

• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others. 

• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff. 

• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense. 

• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills. 

• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee. 

• Basic IT skills. 

• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff. 

Criteria: 

• Over 21. 

• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself. 

• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself. 

• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs 

• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen.     

• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. 

• Live within a 30-mile radius from the prison at which you would like to volunteer.

Your role

Amazing, giving, inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers are integral to the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Single Point of Access (SPOA) Volunteers to support our Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service (DRPSS). You will be based at The Croft in Ripley and, ideally, you will be able to commit up to 4 hours per week to volunteering.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

We support people who are having difficulties with their mental health by offering targeted goal-focused support, developing peer support and volunteer opportunities across Derbyshire, and also peer support groups.

We offer

• Targeted support through one-to-one and group sessions.
• Self-help and peer support
• Telephone support
• Advice and information on mental illness. 
• Recovery education
• Social activities in the local community
• Signposting to other sources of community and specialist support

Our Single Point of Access is open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday to Friday

You can also find out more about our service on facebook  

What you will be doing as a Single Point of Access Volunteer

• Help organise and file documents for the DRPSS service
• Provide basic advice, guidance, and telephone support via SPOA line
• Offer signposting and referral options as required
• Upload documents to our systems
• Follow up on ‘On Hold’ referrals, updating information as required 
• Help to respond to emails and organise the DRPSS Outlook inbox
• Provide updates to those individuals currently on a waiting list for service

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Excellent communication skills 
• Basic IT Knowledge
• Able to relate to people from all backgrounds and the ability to remain non-judgmental
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality
• Organisational skills
• Good local knowledge of mental health support

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, Come and join our team!

The Project

Gurkhas have served the British crown for more than 200 years, with dedication and valour. They are hugely respected worldwide, but less known are their wives who are dedicated and brave, quietly supporting their husbands, raising their children and looking after their families. When Dame Joanna Lumley worked with HM Government to allow retired Gurkha soldiers and their families to settle in the UK, the lives of these women underwent a huge change. They found themselves in a new country, with a new language, customs they didn’t understand and a very confusing environment. A group of volunteers set about teaching these ladies a mixture of English and other basic skills in a nurturing and happy environment, raising their confidence, so that they could shop, visit the doctor, talk to the local council and enjoy their new environment supporting their integration into the community and life in the United Kingdom. 

We are now looking for a new lead to take this very successful project into its second decade. You will be making a real difference to the lives of those that attend our class and beyond.

We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

We are looking for a project lead to plan, support and facilitate the term time run lessons, working collaboratively with the existing team of helpers and external professionals to provide an exciting, enjoyable class providing language, skills and cultural education.  Also to provide a wider understanding of support available to the community and the ability to sign post and or refer to specialist support when appropriate. 

Key responsibilities

• Establish and foster good relationships with the ex-Gurkha Community, overcoming cultural differences and encouraging integration.
• Manage and organise weekly language classes with appropriate guest speakers when possible.
• Support, guide an amazing team of existing volunteers to aid facilitation of the weekly classes.
• Provide a lesson plan (Scheme of works) and supporting documentation on a termly basis.
• Signpost and support beneficiaries to additional sources of support as appropriate.
• Keep and Maintain records of attendance for reporting purposes.
• Raise awareness of SSAFA and the volunteering opportunities that we offer to the Nepali community.

The skills you need

Friendly, approachable, empathic Non-judgemental approach, great written and verbal communication skills, great organisational and administration skills, good IT skills, some teaching or presentation experience.

What's in it for you

An opportunity to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others. Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team.  Access to a range of training and learning opportunities

An opportunity to gain experience and develop your knowledge and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Additional information

This role requires an enhanced DBS and completion of mandatory online training including GDPR and Safeguarding.

Disclaimer SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information

Time Commitment

Classes run every Tuesday in term time. Additional time for planning will also be required.

Purpose 

The Trustee role is voluntary with meetings taking place a minimum of once a quarter. Trustees are responsible for: 

• controlling Navigates management and administration 

• ensuring that Navigates income and property are used only for the purposes set out in the 

• governing document and for no other purpose 

• acting reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity 

• acting in the best interests of the charity. 

Main Duties 

1) Comply with Navigates governing document and law. The successful Trustee and your co-trustees must: 

• Make sure that the charity complies with its governing document 

• Comply with charity law requirements and other laws that apply to Navigate 

• As a Trustee, you should take responsible steps to find out about legal requirements for example, by reading relevant guidance or taking appropriate advice when you need to. 

2) Act in Navigates best interests, you must: 

• Do what you and your co-trustees (and no one else) decide will enable the Charity to carry out its purposes 

• With co-trustees make balanced and adequately informed decisions, thinking about the short term and charities future 

• Avoid putting yourself in a position where your duty to Navigate conflicts with your personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body 

• Not receive any benefit from Navigate unless it is properly authorised and is clearly in the charity’s interests; this also includes anyone who is financially connected to you. 

3) Manage Navigates resources responsibly–the successful trustee(s) must act responsibly, reasonably and honestly (duty prudence). The trustees must: 

• make sure Navigates assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes

• avoid exposing the assets, beneficiaries or reputation to undue risk 

• Not over-commit the charity 

• take special care when investing or borrowing 

• comply with any restrictions on spending funds 

4)  Act with reasonable care and skill 

• must use reasonable care and skill, making use of your skills and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary 

• should give enough time, thought and energy to your role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings (once a quarter). 

5)  Ensure that Navigate is accountable by complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements. You should also: 

• be able to demonstrate that your charity is complying with the law, well run and effective

• ensure appropriate accountability to members, if your charity has a membership separate from the trustees 

• ensure accountability within the charity, particularly where you delegate responsibility for particular tasks or decisions to staff or volunteers 

Essential – 

The successful candidate(s) will meet the Charities Commission eligibility criteria, specifically:

• You must be at least 16 years old to be a trustee of a charitable company or a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), 

• You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act, unless your disqualification has been waived by the Commission. 

• Fit and proper persons - Finance Act 2010 requires all of the charity’s managers (including trustees) to be ‘fit and proper persons’. 

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks – an enhanced DBS check: this will include a check against the relevant barred list. 

• A client focused approach to service delivery 

• Excellent communication skills 

• Ability to think creatively 

• Competent IT skills 

• Knowledge, skills or experience in one or more of the following areas: PR/Marketing/Communications, Fundraising, Education, Mental Health / Health and Wellbeing 

Desirable - The successful candidate(s) may evidence; 

• Knowledge/experience of the free advice/charity sector 

• Knowledge/experience of Social Policy Issues 

• A sound understanding of money and debt advice processes, procedures and ethics. 

Marie Curie is expanding its Community Companion service to support people at end of life in/across Brighton & Hove, Sussex

Drawing upon their volunteer training, community knowledge and networks, Community Companions visit people identified as end of life in a place of their choosing e.g., their own home, care home, community venue or surgery etc. and empower them to decide what support if any, they would like.

Support may be a one-off activity or an ongoing engagement providing different aspects of support over a longer period of time. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

The support a Community Companion provides is unique to each person and their individual circumstances, but is likely to include:  

• visiting people identified as end of life in a place of their choosing and outlining the support that is available to them and to the people closest to them
• providing emotional support to people at end of life and the people closest to them
• providing practical information, support, and signposting to other local services to people at end of life and the people closest to them
• supporting and empowering people at end of life to create an advanced care plan (ACP) which considers, documents, and clearly communicates what is important to them
• providing carer support including pre and post bereavement support, ensuring the right local provision-based support is in place for people within caring roles 
• providing support around fuel poverty and accessing available resources 
• promoting the Community Companion service within the local community
• completing and returning a short report at the end of each session  
• attending and participating in regular volunteer wellbeing sessions, team meetings, and refresher training

THE SKILLS / EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

• Friendly and approachable 
• Patient, empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others
• An active listener and an ability to build a rapport with others
• Self-aware and emotionally resilient
• Adaptable and open to learning and developing
• Able and willing to operate within Marie Curie’s boundaries and to follow all processes, procedures and guidelines including using a lone worker device
• Committed, reliable and trustworthy
• An understanding of confidentiality
• Inclusive and respectful  
• A mature perspective on life and death
• Access to a PC, laptop, Tablet or Phone and basic IT skills e.g. the ability to type on word and email attachments  

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY

• Becoming an important part of Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity
• Making a real difference to people at end of life and to the people closest to them
• Connecting with new and interesting people with a common goal
• Building and developing your skills in a supportive environment
• Continued training, development, and support 
• Access to other opportunities within Marie Curie 
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

THE NEXT STEPS 

• Complete a volunteering application form or submit an expression of interest 
• Attend an informal interview with a member of the Marie Curie team either face to face or online via Microsoft Teams
• Supply the details of two people (not family members) who can provide you with a reference
• Consent to a DBS (criminal record) check and submit the appropriate documentation online for the check to be completed 
• Attend a face-to-face volunteer induction
• Complete core and role specific Marie Curie training

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users. 

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact us.