Legal Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

We are looking for some volunteers trained in divorce law to help our current law team at SPSAS.

This is an opportunity to lead the protection of the vital footpaths and rights of way network across the countryside of East Sussex and ensure walking in the natural environment is accessible to all.

You will coordinate a team of Local Footpath Wardens and will be responsible for assessing proposals affecting paths and for developing Ramblers' response to and comments on those proposals, liaising with Ramblers' central office and other stakeholders as necessary.

You will represent Ramblers' Sussex Area on rights of way issues with the local authority and at meetings and public events.

To undertake the role you will need to keep up to date with legal and policy information about paths and planning issues nationally as well as in your local area.

The skills required for the role are to be confident but diplomatic; able to understand complex rights of way and legal issues; be friendly and personable with the ability to influence; and good at presenting arguments in writing and in person.

The role will offer you the opportunity to use your existing networking skills; to develop new skills and knowledge in relation to rights of way issues; and to work with a small group of fellow volunteers to influence local policy.

About Vibes in Care (ViC)

Vibes in Care CIC is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to amplifying the voices of children and young people who are care-experienced or at risk. By harnessing insights from lived experience, we develop training, workshops, and advocacy initiatives that reshape professional practices within the care sector.

• Founded on Lived Experience: We believe that those who have gone through the care system have the clearest insights into how to improve it.
• Innovative Training & Workshops: Our programmes empower professionals - such as social workers, educators, and youth workers - to bring about lasting change in how care is delivered.
• Collaborative Culture: Partnership is at the heart of ViC. We work closely with local authorities, youth organisations, and sector specialists to co-create solutions.

Why We Need You

We are seeking Trustees who share our passion for transforming the care experience. Whether you have direct care experience (e.g., have been in care yourself), professional experience in the sector, or simply a deep commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced children and young people, your voice and leadership are invaluable at this pivotal stage of our growth.

The Role

• Steer Strategic Vision: Help shape and refine ViC’s long-term plans, ensuring that lived experience remains at the core of every decision.
• Champion Good Governance: Oversee compliance with charity regulations, manage financial health, and set policies that maintain transparency and integrity.
• Advocate for Care-Experienced Children and Young People: Act as an ambassador, raising awareness about ViC’s mission and the importance of centring care-experienced voices.
• Support Growth & Partnerships: Contribute insights on fundraising, partnership-building, and community engagement to help ViC expand its reach and impact.

What We’re Looking For

1. Care Experience (Highly Valued): We particularly encourage applications from individuals who have first-hand insights into the care system.
2. Dedication to Social Impact: A genuine desire to improve day-to-day experiences and long-term outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.
3. Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work well in a team, valuing diverse perspectives and open dialogue.
4. Integrity & Oversight: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and acting in the best interests of ViC’s beneficiaries.
5. Strategic Thinking: Capable of understanding big-picture objectives, assessing organisational risks, and spotting growth opportunities.

Skills & Experience (Desirable)

• Professional or Personal Care Experience: Lived experience, in social care work, child protection, or related fields.
• Finance/Accounting: Competent in budget oversight, financial planning, or grant management.
• Legal & Compliance: Familiarity with UK charity regulations or basic legal frameworks.
• HR & Governance: Ability to guide policy setting, recruitment, and staff/volunteer support.
• Fundraising & Communications: Skill in securing resources and raising organisational visibility.

What’s In It For You?

• A Real Chance to Influence: Your perspective will be integral in shaping how ViC evolves.
• Professional Development: Gain governance experience, hone leadership skills, and build your professional network.
• Impact & Legacy: Contribute directly to improving practices that affect some of society’s most vulnerable young people.
• Flexible & Supportive Environment: We meet quarterly, with much of our collaboration happening remotely, so you can fit your responsibilities around other commitments.

Time Commitment

• Board Meetings: Held four times per year (virtually or in person).
• Preparation & Engagement: A few hours each quarter to review papers and stay updated on organisational developments.
• Additional Involvement: Optional sub-committees or working groups on areas like safeguarding, finance, and training delivery.

Application Process

• CV & Cover Letter: Apply via CharityJob outlining your relevant experience (especially care experience), why you’re passionate about our cause, and how you hope to contribute as a Trustee.
• Informal Interview: We’ll invite shortlisted candidates for a conversation with our Director (Founder) to explore mutual fit and answer any questions.
• Appointment: Successful applicants will be welcomed onto the board, pending usual referencing and compliance checks.

Join us in creating meaningful change for care-experienced children and young people. Your lived insight, passion, and dedication could transform how professionals approach care and, ultimately, transform futures. We look forward to hearing from you!

Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?

We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.

Last year, we:

✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges

✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need

✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.

We are particularly interested in individuals with:

�� Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
�� Expertise in volunteer engagement
�� A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach

However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.

What’s Involved?

As a Trustee, you will:

�� Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)

��Participate in one annual trustee development day

��Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work

This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.

If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you! 

Come join our volunteering team to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q3 by Best Companies as the 6th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal  system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

We are looking for two individuals to help us with maintenance tasks, in our Manchester safehouses. Tasks will include activities such as installing shelving, putting together flatpack furniture, painting, gardening etc

We are looking for 2 x Volunteer Handypersons to help support us with maintenance of our safehouse.

Tasks will include:

• Lifting, carrying, and transporting items in a safe manner

• General handyperson tasks such as installing shelving, putting together flatpack furniture, painting etc.

• General maintenance tasks

• Sharing knowledge of general maintenance with service users to empower them to do it themselves going forward

• Only complete tasks that are you able or qualified to complete

• Maintain health and safety at all times

• Showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs

• To provide feedback and safeguarding concerns to the Senior Service Manager - reporting any observations or concerns in a timely manner

• To take part in regular supervision and support

• To regularly attend volunteer or staff meetings

• To attend training as and when required including health and safety, boundaries, safeguarding, manual handling and confidentiality

• To work within agreed professional boundaries at all times

• To provide a safe and non-judgmental environment that promotes the core values and ethos of the Trust, in accordance with the Medaille Trust Policy, Data Protection Act, and Health and Safety Regulations. 

The role would suit someone who is friendly, kind, empathetic and non-judgemental. As well as someone who is physically fit to be able to lift and carry heavy objects. This position is rewarding and will be making an immediate difference in supporting and empowering service users. 

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with people in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members in line with agreed procedures and systems.

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old

• Volunteers will need to have a good standard of spoken and written English

• Be computer literate to be able to complete any online training

• Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

• Volunteers to have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

• Knowledge of mental health issues and the challenges faced or a willingness to learn

• An understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

For further information and an application form, please see our website

About Children with Voices

Children with Voices is a vibrant non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and families through community-based initiatives. We run engaging holiday clubs for children aged 5–11, promoting healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, and early intervention to reduce the risk of gang involvement and antisocial behaviour (ASB). Our mission is to create opportunities for children from all backgrounds—especially those from low-income families, single-parent households, or disadvantaged communities—to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. Our clubs focus on: - Promoting healthy eating and encouraging children to eat 7+ portions of fruit and vegetables daily. - Teaching children where food comes from and the benefits of nutrition. - Building social and life skills through teamwork, cooking, and inclusive play. - Offering affordable, fun, and engaging activities that promote physical fitness and reduce childhood obesity. - Supporting parents with knowledge about budget-friendly healthy food options. - Creating positive connections across different communities to reduce postcode-related division.

Role Overview – Treasurer (Volunteer Position)

We are seeking a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to oversee the financial health of Children with Voices and help strengthen our financial systems. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a grassroots charity working to empower children and families. Time commitment: Approximately 10–15 hours per month, flexible around your availability. Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings (London-based preferred but not essential).

Key Responsibilities

· Oversee the financial affairs of Children with Voices, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Ensure accurate financial records are maintained and effective financial procedures are in place.

· Monitor and report regularly on the organisation’s financial position.

· Prepare financial reports, budgets, cash flow statements, and annual accounts in collaboration with the Chair and Trustees.

· Lead on financial planning and advise the committee on the financial viability of proposals, plans, and fundraising initiatives.

· Report key financial information to trustees and support them in understanding financial obligations.

· Support the organisation with budgeting, funding applications, and ensuring value for money.

· Ensure sound internal controls, including processes for:

· - Authorisation of spending and purchasing systems

· - Managing cash flow and petty cash

· - Payment of staff or volunteer expenses (if applicable)

· - Bank reconciliation and cheque signatories

Person Specification – Ideal Qualities

· Experience in financial management, bookkeeping, or accountancy (formal qualifications desirable but not essential).

· Understanding of charity finance and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

· Knowledge of fundraising, grant reporting, and managing budgets in voluntary/community settings.

· Strong financial analysis and reporting skills.

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

· Commitment to the values and mission of Children with Voices.

· Organised, reliable, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with trustees and volunteers.

What You’ll Gain

· A rewarding opportunity to use your financial skills to support a meaningful cause.

· Experience in charity governance and financial oversight.

· A chance to contribute to community empowerment and social impact.

· Recognition of your volunteer contribution and references for future roles, if desired.

Purpose of the Role:
The Treasurer plays a key leadership role in ensuring SAPHNA’s financial integrity and sustainability. In addition to the responsibilities of a General Trustee, the Treasurer provides strategic guidance and oversight on SAPHNA’s financial matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place.
• Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Work closely with SAPHNA’s management team to monitor budgets, cash flow, and financial performance.
• Ensure the preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations.
• Present financial reports to the Board in a clear and accessible format.
• Support the development of financial policies and procedures.
• Ensure SAPHNA’s funds are invested appropriately, achieving both security and growth.
• Oversee financial compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Person Specification:

• Proven financial expertise, ideally with experience in financial management, accountancy, or charity finance.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or financial oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other Trustees and SAPHNA’s management team.

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events. The Treasurer role may require additional time to review financial matters and liaise with staff.

Their small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live. But with your support, they can do even more!

In joining them as a Trustee on the Board, you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with their strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations. However, additionally, as their Lead for Supporter Development, you will use your specialist knowledge to inform and guide the Trustee Board in this area and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims. As part of this remit, you will also oversee the recruitment of a Communications and Supporter Care Officer (a brand new role) and have ongoing responsibility for communicating organisational requirements and providing feedback to the individual once engaged.

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total.

What they need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience, but they are looking for applicants with manager/senior-level expertise in Supporter Development/Fundraising. By volunteering with them, you’ll be using what you know to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment, as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside. Their friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.

Are you a proactive fundraiser and looking to support a small charity? We're looking for 2 energetic and enthusiastic fundraiser volunteers to increase the fundraising opportunities for the charity as well as developing corporate partnerships, legacy giving, individual giving and major donors. This role may also include:

• Develop new and imaginative fundraising activities, many of which involve organising events
• Project manage fundraising events, from inception all the way through to evaluation
• Recruit and promote supporters and volunteers for challenge and national events.
• Assisting with researching and approaching corporate entities for event sponsorships, partnerships, Charity of the Year partnerships, and donations from corporate foundations
• Writing emails and speaking with potential partners about the work of Burning Nights CRPS Support with the aim of securing funds for the organisation
• Helping to maintain the fundraising database, ensuring accuracy and consistency of all records;
• Development in fundraising opportunities
• Keeping in contact with current & past donors and assisting in finding new donors
• Communicating with past fundraisers and encourage them to consider fundraising in the future
• Assist in marketing our events
• Development / Improvement of fundraising support (e.g fundraising packs and materials)
• Create fundraising & donation posts for social media & email marketing

Key & Desirable Skills:

• Fully computer literate and fully able with the main Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint as well as the internet and email
• Knowledge of using CRM systems or ability to learn

• Outgoing, friendly and proactive character
• Good initiative and ability to work with little direct supervision but will ask when help is needed
• Be comfortable volunteering within a small team or by yourself
• Good communication skills - Ability to communicate effectively at a number of different levels
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, written correspondence and in person
• Experience of writing funding proposals and working in fundraising would be an advantage
• Strong organisational skills
• Knowledge of corporate fundraising techniques including Charity of the Year, sponsorship, donations, marketing would be an advantage
• An ability to present and engage potential partners/sponsors in a compelling way
• Maintaining strict confidentiality

Practical Considerations:

• Age over 18 only
• Expenses will be given in line with the charity’s expenses policy
• It is an indoor role at one site – your home, but occasionally meetings are held in other offices and in the office of the charity or online
• This role is suitable for people wanting to learn new skills as well as improve previously learnt skills

Not sure if you have the right skills? Then contact us or apply as you may have some great translatable skills that would be applicable for this role!

About the Charity: Burning Nights CRPS Support is a UK wide charity that works to improve life for those living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), their families, loved ones, carers and friends. As a charity we raise awareness about the condition amongst the public, health and legal professionals by providing CRPS awareness sessions so that patients can be diagnosed quicker to enable treatment to start more rapidly.

Application Process:

Apply on Charity Job with CV and covering letter telling us why you would be a good fit for our charity

Volunteer Trustee Treasurer

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity
Location: London (in-person Board meetings with virtual Budget, Audit, and Risk Committee (BARC) meetings)
Commitment: Approx. 10 meetings per year + ad hoc support
Term: 3 years (renewable)

Start: May 2025

Make a Difference with St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity

We are seeking a qualified financial professional to join our Board as Trustee Treasurer and Chair of the Budget, Audit, and Risk Committee (BARC). This is a unique opportunity to use your financial expertise to help drive our mission—ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home.

As Trustee Treasurer, you will play a vital role in overseeing the Charity’s financial health, ensuring strong governance, and supporting strategic decision-making. Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide financial leadership, ensuring the organisation is financially resilient and sustainable.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide financial oversight and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Work with the Executive Team to deliver clear financial reporting to the Board.
• Chair the Budget, Audit, and Risk Committee (BARC), ensuring robust financial governance.
• Support financial planning, including budgeting, risk management, and reserves policy.
• Liaise with auditors and oversee the annual accounts process.
• Contribute to the Charity’s overall strategy and decision-making as a Trustee.

What We’re Looking For:

• Fully qualified financial professional (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience with charity sector financial reporting and regulations.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial matters to non-financial Board members.
• Experience in governance, risk management, and financial leadership.
• Non-executive director or Trustee experience (desirable but not essential).

Why Join Us?

• Influence strategic decisions in a leading UK homelessness charity.
• Gain high-level Board experience and expand your governance skills.
• Work alongside passionate and experienced Trustees.
• Make a real impact on homelessness and social justice.

This is an unpaid voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Meetings are a mix of virtual and in-person in London (approx. 10 per year).

Interested?

We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences.

To apply, please submit:

· CV outlining your experience

· Supporting statement (max 2 pages) explaining your interest and suitability.

For more information about the role or how to apply please check and read our Candidate Information Pack.

Join us in making a difference!

About Waterwatch UK

Waterwatch UK is currently transitioning to become a charity, strengthening its mission to hold polluters accountable and empower communities to protect and improve water quality. We work to ensure transparency, drive policy change, and support public engagement in safeguarding our waterways.

Role Purpose

As a trustee, you will provide strategic oversight, ensure good governance, and help Waterwatch UK achieve its mission. Trustees collectively guide the organisation’s direction, legal compliance, financial health, and public impact.

Available Trustee Roles

We are recruiting trustees with expertise in the following areas. Candidates should specify in your application which role they are applying for.

Please note that the specific roles may be adjusted based on the applications we receive to ensure the best mix of skills and expertise on the board.

1. Chair of Trustees

• Leads the board, ensuring effective governance, decision-making, and strategic direction.
• Acts as a key ambassador for Waterwatch UK.
• Supports and guides the CEO.
• Chairs board meetings and ensures all trustees are engaged.

2. Treasurer

• Oversees financial planning, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Ensures compliance with charity financial regulations.
• Works with the CEO to develop sustainable funding strategies.

3. Secretary (Governance Trustee)

• Manages governance processes, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission requirements.
• Supports meeting administration, record-keeping, and reporting.
• Ensures policies and procedures are up to date.

4. Fundraising & Grants Trustee

• Develops and oversees fundraising strategies, including grant applications and donor engagement.
• Identifies new funding opportunities and partnerships.
• Advises on diversifying income sources.

5. Marketing & Communications Trustee

• Leads public engagement strategies, including branding, digital media, and PR.
• Supports outreach efforts to raise awareness and grow Waterwatch’s supporter base.
• Advises on website, social media, and campaign strategies.

6. Legal & Compliance Trustee

• Ensures Waterwatch UK operates within charity law and regulatory requirements.
• Provides legal guidance on governance, contracts, and policies.
• Advises on risk management.

7. Community Engagement & Partnerships Trustee

• Strengthens relationships with local communities, ensuring Waterwatch UK remains community-led.
• Develops partnerships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, businesses, and campaign groups.
• Supports volunteer engagement.

8. Environmental & Policy Trustee

• Provides expertise on water pollution, environmental law, and policy advocacy.
• Helps shape Waterwatch UK’s campaigns and policy positions.
• Engages with policymakers and regulators to push for systemic change.

General Trustee Responsibilities

• Ensure Waterwatch UK operates in line with its charitable objectives and complies with relevant laws.
• Contribute to strategic planning, decision-making, and risk management.
• Support financial oversight, ensuring funds are well managed and aligned with charitable goals.
• Represent Waterwatch UK’s values, advocating for its mission and engaging with stakeholders.
• Participate in board meetings and relevant working groups or committees.

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are committed to Waterwatch UK’s mission and values.
• Have expertise in at least one of the areas listed above.
• Can dedicate time and energy to board meetings and strategic work.
• Bring an independent perspective and constructive challenge.

Time Commitment

• Attend quarterly board meetings (in person or virtual).
• Participate in relevant working groups or committees.
• Support fundraising, advocacy, or governance efforts as needed.

Why Become a Trustee?

• Help shape the future of a newly forming charity tackling water pollution.
• Gain board-level experience and expand your professional network.
• Be part of a passionate and purpose-driven team.

How to Apply

Please include the trustee role you are applying for.

In your email, please include:

• A short expression of interest (1-2 pages) outlining:
  • The role you are applying for.
  • Your relevant experience and skills.
  • Why you want to support Waterwatch UK.
• Your CV
• LinkedIn profile (optional).

Currently, expenses are not covered, but the role should not incur any financial burden as it is remote. Once we secure funding, expenses will be reimbursed.

Deadline for applications: 17th April 2025 at 18:00

Crescent Purchasing Consortium is looking recruit new trustees, including a Chair to the board of Trustees.

We are looking for a maximum of two volunteer Trustees who are employed by the state, regional or local authorities, or by other bodies governed by public law (specifically the education sector).

Crescent Purchasing Consortium is a charity with a purpose to provide procurement support services and advance education in all aspects of procurement to the education sector. Through our work, we provide additional support to SEND learners, the wellbeing of all learners and assist in trying to reduce the growing challenge of absenteeism in education. To assist the Charity with our vision, we are looking to appoint two additional Trustees who have a passion for education and enhancing teaching and learning.

The two areas of expertise we are look to appoint separately or combined are:

1. Chair to the Board of Trustees.

2. Finance/Accounting experience.

The two positions have become available as a result of the existing postholder coming to the end of their maximum term as a trustee of Crescent Purchasing Consortium.

Our vision is to be the procurement services partner of choice for the education sector and through our work, help the education sector enhance teaching and learning. We do this by delivering great-value professional procurement services to the education and wider public sector. We then gift surplus reserves generated by the Charity back to the education sector to fund a variety of projects focused on assisting SEND learners, the wellbeing or all learners and tackle the growing concern of absenteeism within education. This means our customers can benefit twice from our service. Essentially, we want to keep education sector money, within the education sector.

The backbone to how we operate, as a Board of Trustees and our employees, are our values. These are: People Orientated, Supportive, Collaborative, Professional, Customer Focused. Trustees play a vital role in providing strategic direction and strong governance, as well as supporting the work of the leadership team. Our Trustees have independent control of the Charity and are committed to providing the highest standards of governance and guidance. The Trustees have a responsibility to understand the environment in which the Charity is operating, and to lead the Charity in fulfilling its purpose, they are responsible for protecting the Charity’s best interest and oversee the management, strategic planning and accountability.

We are seeking Trustees with high-level skills and experience from all sectors to help drive our Charity forward. We would welcome applications from all areas of the public sector, in particular the education sector.

To apply please attach your CV and cover letter,

Crescent Purchasing Limited is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to Equality and Diversity. We believe in fair treatment of all our candidates and commit to promoting diversity in our employment practices.

**The deadline to apply for this role is 6th April 2025**

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for patients and families affected by a chronic pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)?

We're looking for 2 qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists volunteers ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients or lived experience of chronic illness, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our adult service users (aged 18 & over) and help us to continue developing a mental health support service. 

As a Volunteer Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote counselling/therapy support services to adults aged 18 and over many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling/therapy sessions online via Zoom or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our services users.  

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, our volunteer counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling) or integrative counselling, or specialist services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT, CFT and EMDR for CRPS patients, or their families & close relatives.

People will be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having patients and carers themselves referring into to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your counselling and therapy skills, organisation, communication and team working skills.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 sessions for each client plus 4 psychometric assessments

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to clients aged 18 & over

• Update our database with the client’s information, sessional notes and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these confidentially and securely in acccordahce with GDPR

• Attending and participating in peer supervision support

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in volunteer meetings
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision and peer support sessions to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including a full induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us. We can offer you a supervisor as well as expenses for annual insurance and an external supervisor if required.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member (including student membership) of one of the recognised membership organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum (unfortunately no students at this time), Degree or Masters in Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, EMDR 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 3 clients a week, being three hours of your time for therapy sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a minimum commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Knowledge of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We also welcome training counsellors and counselling/clinical psychologists who are looking for placements.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations You Must Be A Member of:

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• EMDR Association UK
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• British Psychological Society
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period where referrals are on the rise and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for our clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our CRPS patients & their families who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is rapidly expanding, you would have a key role in developing our counselling and psychotherapy programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in our clients' life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

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

As a Data Protection Officer (DPO), you will be responsible for ensuring that Roots Academy complies with data protection laws and best practices. You will oversee data security policies, advise on compliance matters, and support teams in handling personal data responsibly. Your role is key in ensuring the organisation meets legal requirements and protects sensitive information.

Key tasks

• Compliance & Advisory
  • Ensure compliance with data protection regulations, including GDPR and other relevant laws.
  • Advise the Governance Lead and wider team on data protection policies and best practices.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for data protection queries and external regulators if required.
• Policy & Process Development
  • Develop and maintain data protection policies, privacy notices, and consent forms.
  • Ensure policies align with legal requirements and organisational needs.
  • Regularly review and update policies in response to regulatory changes.
• Training & Awareness
  • Provide training sessions for staff and volunteers on data protection principles and responsibilities.
  • Raise awareness about data security risks and how to mitigate them.
  • Develop guidance materials for teams handling personal data.
• Data Security & Risk Management
  • Support the organisation in identifying and mitigating data protection risks.
  • Conduct regular audits to assess data handling processes and compliance.
  • Assist teams in responding to data breaches, ensuring proper reporting and corrective actions.
• Record-Keeping & Documentation
  • Maintain records of data processing activities and ensure they are up to date.
  • Assist with data subject requests (e.g., access, rectification, and deletion requests).
  • Work with relevant teams to ensure secure data storage and handling.
• Third-Party Management
  • Assess and monitor the data protection practices of suppliers, contractors, and external partners.
  • Review contracts with third-party vendors to ensure appropriate data processing clauses and agreements are in place.
  • Work with legal and procurement teams to ensure compliance with GDPR and organisational policies when engaging external providers.

What we’re looking for

• Knowledge of data protection laws, particularly GDPR.
• Experience in data compliance, governance, or legal advisory roles.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex regulations in an accessible manner.
• Experience with risk management and security best practices (desirable but not essential).

What we have to offer

• Be part of a dedicated team of 90+ volunteers across the UK.
• Contribute to a growing organisation that educates and empowers the Muslim community.
• Access to in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.
• Receive continuous rewards for facilitating Islamic education through Roots Academy.

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.