Policy volunteer volunteer roles

Finance Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our South East Kent Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.

You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background.

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Come join our team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th 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.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

We are looking for a handyperson to be able to help us with general maintenance tasks in our London West safehouse. Tasks will include activities such as installing shelving, putting together flatpack furniture, painting, gardening etc.

We are looking for a Volunteer Handyperson 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 use new skills 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 Local Coordinator - 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 clients.

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 must have experience or qualifications in maintenance related skills

· 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

Please apply via application form on our website.

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, which we will arrange.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces?  You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English.  If so, this could be the role for you.

Our Branch provides lifelong support to anyone who has ever served, in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and their dependants. We also give support to those who has been in the Merchant Navy, Seafarers, Fishermen and their dependants, and British Airways staff past and present. Our main role is seeking welfare benevolent grants on behalf of clients who reside in the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland. They can arrange anything from household goods, funeral costs, mobility aids or other general needs. Legal fees are not considered. We would advise clients to seek state and local benefits by signposting them to the relevant agencies.

What is a caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need, this might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit.  Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.  Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service.  We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. Our volunteers are based at home with a yearly AGM invite.

What does this role involve?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time

• Meeting clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances

• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice

• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability

• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients

• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser

• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the

Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background and their dependents

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others

• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support will you receive?

• On-line or face to face instructor led training and e-learning modules, to prepare you for your voluntary role.

• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.

• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact. •

• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What skills or experience do you need?

• Good listening and communication skills including written and spoken English

• Respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills.  Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role  

• Ability to make enquires on behalf of clients by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms

• If required, willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the caseworker training course)

• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice

• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability 

• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients

• Friendly and approachable with some experience of coordinating people and admin

•       Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies. 

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18  

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a criminal record check required?  Yes, Garda Vetting, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

Opportunity to Lead a Passionate Team of Volunteers at Cats Protection in Mid Sussex!

Are you a natural leader with a passion for both people and cats? Cats Protection in Mid Sussex is looking for a dynamic and motivated Branch Team Leader to join their incredible team of volunteers! This diverse and rewarding role will see you supporting your volunteers, guiding them in their roles, and ensuring they feel confident, valued, and part of a close-knit, dedicated team.

If you’re someone who thrives in a leadership position, loves working with people, and is ready to make a real difference in the lives of both cats and volunteers, we want to hear from you. We're seeking a compassionate, people-focused individual who has the time and energy to make sure everything runs smoothly, while fostering a positive and welcoming environment for all involved.

Above all, you’ll need to have a love for cats and an understanding of their welfare – because when you’re working with Cats Protection, every paw matters!

Are you ready to find out more about this exciting challenge and help make the world a better place for cats in need? Enquire now!

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

The Crisis London Volunteer Fundraising Group consists of a small team of volunteers raising awareness and money for Crisis' vital services and work towards ending homelessness. The current focus of the group is preparing for and implementing the Walk to End Homelessness fundraising event, recreating an original walk held in London which led to the formation of Crisis in 1967. By joining the group you'll contribute towards inspiring local people to fundraise for Crisis while honing your skills in event management and logistics.

How will I be ending homelessness?

Joining a group of dedicated, passionate, empowered volunteer fundraisers to help raise the funds needed for our vital services. You will use your communications, events, and teamwork skills to deliver local fundraising events and collections in aid of Crisis.

The monies raised by your Fundraising Group will help fund services such as one to one support in finding a home or a job, helping people achieve learning goals, or supporting our Christmas events where we offer hot meals, access to essential services, and an introduction to our year-round services to leave homelessness behind for good.   

You will be inspired by our vision to end homelessness, and in turn will inspire others to act. As well as raising vital funds you will be helping us to influence your community and their beliefs, challenging the stigma around homelessness.  We need people who genuinely believe that if society works together, we can end homelessness. 

What will I gain?

• Fundraising in your local community is fun, a good way to meet people and gives a great sense of achievement.  
• You'll have lots of opportunities to learn about the causes and effects of homelessness and how to engage others in the conversation to end homelessness.  
• Fundraising and networking experience for a national organisation.  
• The opportunity to share your existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment. 
• Support from your Fundraising Group Lead to help you achieve your fundraising goals. 
• Being part of a wide network of staff, volunteers and supporters all working together to end homelessness 
• A reference for volunteering at a national organisation

What will I be doing?

• Attend regular Fundraising Group meetings to work collaboratively with the Fundraising Group lead and other members.  
• Use your skills and knowledge to play an active role in making fundraising events and activities happen.  
• Representing Crisis in your community, using your own networks to raise awareness of what needs to be done to end homelessness. This includes sharing our broader activities such as our campaigns.
• Represent Crisis by attending fundraising and engagement events organised by others. 
• Ensure group activities comply with relevant fundraising regulations and Crisis policies and procedures; including ensuring monies raised are accounted for in line with agreed financial processes.  

Who are we looking for?

• A strong team member, with a proactive positive approach to working as part of a group 
• Willing to actively participate in group meetings, contribute ideas and be active in helping to make fundraising events happen 
• Interest and experience in organising events (desirable) 
• Good communication skills, confident talking to new people and representing Crisis 
• Good organisational skills and reliability 
• Non-judgemental, patient, and friendly 
• An understanding of the importance of adhering to policies and processes. Including confidentiality, data protection principles and maintaining boundaries 
• A commitment to completing any training (including e-learning) required for the role 
• You will need access to a computer and broadband/data to undertake this volunteering role

Additional information

To provide a safe, welcoming environment for everyone we provide volunteers with a code of conduct (how we work together). This will be found within your volunteer policy sign off document. We ask all volunteers to read our policy document and always comply with those policies.

Reasonable out of pocket expenses for lunch and travel (where appropriate) will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

We strive to ensure that our services are welcoming, remain relevant and are fully accessible to everyone that we help and support. We are keen to receive applications from volunteers from diverse and other marginalised communities as this helps us ensure the best experience for those that we are here to help. This includes those with lived experience of homelessness.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

The New Normal are seeking a volunteer Fundraising Team Co-Ordinator to join our team! The primary responsibilities of this role will be co-ordinating the team of fundraising volunteers and community fundraising activities for the Charity. 

We are looking for a driven and diligent person to support TNN in it's mission to provide free-to-access peer support for a diverse range of grief experiences, communities and identities. 

Applicants should have the capacity to provide around 2 hours per week on a flexible basis.

We are seeking someone who has experience supporting or managing fundraising activities or strategy within a charity, non-profit or community organisation. They should have leadership, organisation, communication and reasonable admin skills. 

Additionally welcome is experience in leading a team, co-ordinating fundraising and knowledge of fundraising governance, platforms, strategy or reporting.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and pathways. This is a voluntary role and responsibilities are listed in below Job Description.

[Due to the nature of the role and the work we do, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check. Persons will be shortlisted and appointed based solely on character, skills, qualifications and experience.]

URBAN YOUTH - VOLUNTEER WITH US!

New Start-Up - New Beginning - Endless Opportunities

Are you passionate about making a difference and shaping the future of young people? Urban Youth is seeking dedicated and visionary individuals to join our board as Trustees. In this role, you’ll provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure Urban Youth achieves its mission of empowering young people across London.

In this role, you will:

• Provide Strategic Leadership, to help set Urban Youth’s vision, goals, and priorities, ensuring alignment with the needs of young people and the community.

• Ensure Good Governance, to oversee Urban Youth’s operations, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding policies and charity law.

• Support Financial Sustainability, to monitor budgets and financial performance, ensuring resources are managed effectively to achieve our mission.

• Advocate for Urban Youth, to act as an ambassador for Urban Youth, representing Urban Youth at events and within the community to raise awareness and build support.

• Bring Expertise and Insight, to share your skills, experience, and perspectives to strengthen Urban Youth’s impact and effectiveness.

• Champion Diversity and Inclusion, to promote an inclusive approach to decision-making and ensure Urban Youth reflects the diversity of the community it serves.

We're Urban Youth

Urban Youth is an exciting and vibrant new start-up youth work organisation based in London, passionate about empowering London's youth to get involved, discover their path, and shape their destiny. Our vibrant community organisation is dedicated to uplifting young people through engaging, impactful youth work activities that inspire growth, connection, and self-discovery.

JOIN US AT URBAN YOUTH

Get Involved | Discover YOUR Path | Shape YOUR Destiny

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Hampstead Heath

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00. 

Location: Shop in Hampstead Heath, NW3 2QB

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Department: Men in Sheds

Role Location: Unit 4, Boundary Court, Gilbert Way, Burma Road Industrial Estate
Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, NG21 0RT

Role Support: You will be supported by the Men in Sheds Coordinator & Shed Volunteers

What is the purpose of this role?

To support our Men in Sheds volunteers by contributing to the safe running of the shed during sessions by their continual presence and willingness to chat to and support members who attend.

The Men in Sheds Project: Is historically a project specifically for men aged 50+, but with the benefits that have been seen from the project, a mixed session with men and women is being introduced to help women learn/build on practical woodworking skills too.

Men in Sheds provides a well-equipped workshop space where members can work together on a range of activities, and we currently have ‘sheds’ in Blidworth and Worksop.

The project aims to:

- Encourage men and women to be more socially active.

- Provide members with an outlet for their skills and the opportunity to learn new ones.

- Provide respite amongst friends for older men and women who are carers.

- Provide the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the local community.

- Provide access to information and other local services.

- Encourage members to take ownership of their ’shed’ and the projects undertaken.

What impact does this role have?

The Companion Men in Sheds Volunteer role will support the Men in Sheds Volunteers to deliver the project aims, introducing new skills to men and women, whilst helping combat social isolation.

What activities might you be involved in?

Ø  Assisting volunteers on duty delivering the Men in Sheds Sessions.

Ø  Assisting volunteers unlocking the shed and getting it ready for use, turning on heating, checking for unsafe items around and on machines etc.

Ø  Assisting members if needed with projects, lifting etc.

Ø  Encouraging projects that could be completed by members - orders, seasonal items etc.

Ø  Meeting and greeting visitors, ensuring they comply with all safety requirements & sign in.

Ø  Attending monthly volunteer meetings.

Ø  Checking that everything is switched off and assisting a fellow volunteer in locking up at the end of the session.

Ø  Reporting any concerns to the main volunteer on duty and/or the Shed Co-ordinator.

Ø  Volunteering within the charity Safeguarding Policy and raising any safeguarding concerns with the other volunteer only duty, who will then raise it with the Shed Co-ordinator.

What are we looking for?

Ø  Friendly personality and approachable manner with the ability to work confidentially and sensitively with men and women from a variety of backgrounds.

Ø  Ability to use own initiative to work alone, or as part of a team.

Ø  Keen to learn or build on their understanding of the workshop environment and/ or working with power tools

Ø  Appreciate the need to follow health and safety guidelines:

o Ensure members follow the shed’s General Safety Rules

o Ensure that all members work in a safe manner.

o Ensure machines are not used inappropriately – training will be given.

o Ensure that you demonstrate good practice by wearing the correct PPE and ensure that members also wear it.

o Ensure there is no smoking in the shed, only in the outside designated smoking area.

o Actively contribute to keeping the shed clean and tidy

Who can apply:

Ø  We are specifically looking for male applicants over the age of 40 to support the male sessions alongside our current volunteers.

Ø  We are looking for male and female applicants over the age of 40 to support the mixed sessions alongside our current volunteers.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

Volunteers are required who can regularly commit to at least one session per week or to provide cover on an ‘as needed’ basis. The Blidworth Shed is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 9am - 1pm (Thursday afternoon sessions from January 2025). Days to be agreed with the Shed.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction at the Men in Sheds.

You will be required to attend a full day’s certified First Aid Training course paid for by the charity. Your certificate once trained will last for 3 years after which time you will be required to attend refresher training

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Ø The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life.

Ø Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.

Ø A comprehensive training programme.

Ø The opportunity to learn new skills.

Ø Experience to add to your CV.

Ø The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Ø Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in Age UK Notts Volunteer handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role, and a DBS recheck will be undertaken on a 5-year basis.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.

Volunteering in the shop

Our Stockton Heath Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).  

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.

Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ickworth to life and helping people get the best out of their day. 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Warm and friendly.
• Someone with a curious and inquisitive nature, with an ability to engage our visitors, ask questions and facilitate conversations.
• Able to listen thoughtfully and actively.
• Someone with exceptional customer service standards- a desire to put visitors before everything else.
• A good storyteller, with a talent for reading body language and thinking on your feet
• Sensitive to visitor and volunteer needs – working as an effective team member.
• Willing to develop your knowledge of Ickworth, its history and vast collections.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Responding to the diverse needs of visitors, including people with additional access needs.
• Sharing inspirational stories, curious facts and practical information or simply the space for visitors to wander at their own pace.
• Helping visitors to discover more, answering questions and making suggestions so they can enjoy their day, their way.
• Being an ambassador for the whole property and the National Trust. Helping visitors understand the full scope of the offer at Ickworth beyond the house.
• Learning more about Ickworth, so you can share your knowledge and stories of the family and their collections with visitors.
• Responding to the changing needs of Ickworth – supporting ongoing interpretation strategies in the House.
• Supporting with health and safety and evacuation procedures if required.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

 By getting involved you could· 

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
  Spend time with us at Ickworth, learn about its history, stories and enjoy its beauty.
• Meet people from all walks of life
• Find an opportunity to use your existing skills and develop new ones.
  Improve your communication skills.
  Get a warm glow by knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day out with us.

 You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.

All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website 

Skills acquired: Adaptability, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Support, Exhibition Arts, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Visual Arts