Safeguarding volunteer roles

Fundraising Volunteer

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

Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.

Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes

Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

A bit about this role:

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
• online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
• bringing new ideas! We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
• engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathetic to cats and our values
• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

Time expectation

This role is very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule.

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 well being of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Join Chailey Heritage Foundation as a Trustee and help shape the future for children and young people living with complex disabilities.

Applications close Tuesday 6th May.

Location: North Chailey, Lewes, Sussex, BN8 4EF

Who we are.

For over a century, Chailey Heritage Foundation has been a beacon of support for children and young people living with complex disabilities.

Our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school, welcoming residential homes and bustling centre combining gym and art therapy, a farm and café create a thriving community of support.  Our expert teams dedicate time, patience and curiosity to nurturing the potential of every child and young person who comes to us.

Our expertise, innovation and unwavering commitment have made us a leader in our field.

Every day, we witness the extraordinary impact of our work—a child using assistive technology to communicate for the first time, a young adult gaining the confidence to take their first steps towards adulthood, or a family finding the specialist support they need to navigate a world that often feels inaccessible. None of this happens by chance; it is the result of dedicated professionals, pioneering approaches, and strong governance.

A Board for the Future

With the launch of our new 5 year strategy and with some retirements coming up on the Board, we are looking to expand our Board and bring in new expertise to help us navigate this next chapter.

The Role of a Trustee

Trustees at Chailey Heritage Foundation play a crucial role in shaping our strategy, ensuring our financial resilience, and maintaining the high standards that define our work. This is a critical time for us as we adapt to a changing landscape in education, healthcare, and social care. We need Trustees who are not only passionate about our mission but who can bring insight, leadership and challenge to our discussions.

About the role.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in the following areas – you could come with a variety of the following skills:

• Education, SEND: experience in special educational needs, disability policy, or practice
• Clinical: medical, nursing, therapy, or allied health professions
• Social Care: understanding of policy, and best practice in social care for children and adults
• Safeguarding: understanding of safeguarding of children and adults
• Finance: a Chartered Accountant with recent or current leadership experience
• Digital: IT, data, or technology transformation including assistive technology

A Rewarding Commitment

The role of a Trustee is voluntary but highly rewarding. On average, Trustees contribute around one day per month to the role, attending at least three Board meetings per year and participating in one or more sub-committees focused on key areas such as safeguarding, finance and quality standards. Overall, including ad hoc conversation with Board Members and the executive, we expect the time commitment to be the equivalent of a day a month.

Interviews will include a tour and round-table discussion with a small panel consisting of the Chair of Trustees, CEO, and one other Trustee relevant to the skills we are seeking.

We understand that joining a Board is a significant commitment, which is why we provide a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing support to ensure new Trustees feel confident in their role. You will be joining a highly engaged, committed group of professionals who work together to ensure that Chailey Heritage Foundation continues to make a life-changing impact.

Join Us

If you believe in what we do and want to use your skills to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or considering your first Board role, we encourage applications from individuals who share our commitment to enabling children and young people with complex disabilities to thrive.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Tuesday 6th May.

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 often support service users who are transitioning into their own accommodation. Whilst this can be a time of happiness, it can also be a time of worry, with it bringing its own challenges, including physically being able to move their own belongings.

We want to support that transition as best we can, hence us looking for a skilled Volunteer Handyperson, who can help to make this process as smooth as possible.

CORE TASKS: 

We are looking for a Volunteer Handyperson to help support a smooth transition for service users as they move into their new accommodation. Tasks will include:

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

· General handyperson tasks such as installing shelving

· General maintenance tasks

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

· Only complete tasks that 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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

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

· Have own vehicle which is in good condition, with tax, MOT and insurance which covers volunteer usage.

To apply, please complete an application form on our website.

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

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.

We're looking for a Youth Volunteer Activity Worker to support young people aged 8–16 at our local community hall two days a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3–7pm).

On Wednesdays, you’ll help deliver fun sports activities including football and boxing, while Thursdays focus on engagement activities like board games, homework help, and providing a safe space for young people to talk about any personal or educational challenges.

This is a great chance to make a real impact, build your skills, and be a positive role model in the community.

*This role requires candidates who are eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship*

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is seeking :

Main Board Trustees

Honorary Secretary

Honorary Treasurer

Trading Board Trustee

Are you able to bring your skills and experience to help with Nature’s Recovery? Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the leading local charity in Staffordshire, is dedicated to the conservation of nature and connecting people with their local wildlife

Trustee Tenure: 4 year term – maximum 3 terms

Regularity: 9 meetings a year + additional opportunities

Location: The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT 

Help us to protect and enhance the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promote understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world.

We are looking for Trustees to join our Board at an exciting time of growth and ambition. Join us on our journey to reach 30% of land managed for wildlife by 2030 and 1 in 4 people taking action for wildlife in Staffordshire.  In addition, we are also looking for someone to join our Trading Board.

No previous experience of acting as a Trustee is necessary. We are especially looking for applicants with experience or knowledge in the following areas:

· Finance and business accounting with professional qualifications (will form a succession plan to be the next Honorary Treasurer)

· Legal experience and qualifications (will form a succession plan for the next  Hon Secretary)

· Environment protection and climate mitigation

· Nature Conservation with experience and professional qualifications in Ecology

· Commercial Business in Retail

The role of our Trustees is varied and stimulating.  You will be bringing your expertise, experience and passions to help lead a dynamic, multi-functional, multi-specialist organisation.  

About Us

“Staffordshire Wildlife Trust protects and enhances the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promotes understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world.”

A registered charity established in 1969 it is one of 46 county Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK and is supported by over 19,000 members.

The Trust owns or manages 45 nature reserves covering an area of over 1947 hectares. Our 130 staff are based in six locations around the county including our Headquarters at Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, with our work divided up into five departments: Conservation Delivery, Engagement, Marketing & Activism, Fundraising, Membership & Resources, HR & Support Services and Commercial. The Trust has a diverse workforce including site wardens, wildlife surveyors, community and education officers, catering, retail and administration.

In addition, we have a trading company which looks after the trading side of our business. This includes a café at The Wolseley Centre, charity shops in Leek, Penkridge and Codsall and a retail shop in the Wolseley Centre.

We are welcoming. One of the core values of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is that we nurture a culture of equality, inclusivity and diversity.

We are welcoming to those underrepresented in our communities and we strive to listen, learn and share from each other.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is committed to keeping children and young people safe, you can see our policy by visiting our website.
Safeguarding and protecting our visitors, customers, members, staff and volunteers is the responsibility of every trustee, employee, and volunteer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Closing Date:                                         Friday 11th April 2025

Interviews except Treasurer:   Week commencing Monday 28th April 2025

Interviews Treasurer:                            Week commencing Monday 12th May 2025

We are recruiting passionate and motivated volunteers looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact on the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth.

Outline of service 

Our new Young Carers’ Connect project is designed to support the wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Wandsworth. The aim of the service is to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, connect young people and provide opportunities for fun and respite.

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre supports individuals who are looking after someone who has an illness or disability. By volunteering with us you can help look after the health and wellbeing of Carers and provide them with the opportunity to take a break from their responsibilities and have time out for themselves. 

Outline of Role 

As a Young Carers’ volunteer, you will have the opportunity to support in a wide range of exciting and dynamic activities such as peer support groups, workshops, events, activities and trips. 

Main Responsibilities 

• Building rapport with Young Carers and helping them to feel safe and comfortable 

• Co-facilitating workshops and groups 

• Supporting with the facilitation of trips, events and activities 

• Supporting with setting up and tidying up 

• Supporting with keeping a record of attendance 

• Actively participating in activities, games, events and trips 

• Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns by reporting to them to the responsible member of staff 

• Upholding confidentiality 

• Maintaining good communication with responsible staff member.

Other Duties: May be agreed with the responsible staff member as per the requirements of the group. 

Skills and Experience 

Ability to communicate with Young Carers and their families in a helpful and caring manner 

• Reliable and punctual 
• Ability to work effectively in partnership with Centre staff 
• Empathetic and understanding 
• An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality 
• Awareness of issues affecting Young Carers 
• Commitment to the implementation of our Equality and Inclusion policy and all the Centre’s polices

Code of conduct

As a volunteer, and therefore a representative of the Carers’ Centre, you will be expected to comply with this code of conduct.

• Treat all Carers and the people they care for politely and with respect 

• Ensure that your appearance is clean, neat and tidy at all times 

• Conversations of a personal nature to you should not be had around Carers or the people they Care for 

Benefits To Volunteer 

• Obtain experience of working with a diverse group of young people 

• Reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be covered 

• Provide support to Carers and the people they Care for in Wandsworth 

• References available upon request (after 6 months) 

• Regular support and supervision 

Additional Information: 

DBS required: Yes – Enhanced.

Responsible to: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke

Supervised by: Ms. Eleanor Sandler-Clarke 

Hours: Availability after school and/or during school holidays. For peer support groups or regular activities: A minimum commitment of one session a month. 

Expenses: Reasonable expenses (e.g. travel and parking) incurred through carrying out volunteering activities will be reimbursed, upon the production of receipts. 

Supervision: Regular sessions with the appropriate staff member to be arranged mutually 

Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor candidates. 

Applicants must live in Watford, Hertfordshire (UK) or surrounding area.

 Befriending Coordinator for Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job Summary:  A befriending coordinator role is available WTRRP. Befriending is one of the longest running services at the charity and it has recently been reviewed so that volunteers and clients are receiving the best and most supportive experience possible. A coordinator is required to ensure the smooth running of the service and that the new Befriending vision and policy is carried out.

Principal Responsibilities:

● Be a point of contact to all Befrienders.

● Help with the organising and allocating of befrienders with befriendees, with the support of Casework Coordinator, in a timely manner.

● Encourage befrienders to empower clients and create a self-sufficient service.

● Communicate with befrienders and Casework Coordinators to determine whether the befriending relationship is suitable or needs to end.

● Raise any safeguarding issues immediately with the Safeguarding Lead and/or a member of the Committee.

● Develop a good, trusting and listening relationship with befrienders and remain in regular contact with them to ensure they feel supported in their time volunteering.

● Forward on any volunteers to the Emotional Support Counsellor, if needed.

● Liaise with others involved in the partnership such as Drop-In Volunteers, Casework Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator and Committee members.

● Be fully aware of, comply with, and promote, safe systems of work to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of all volunteers and clients whilst befriending.

● Work constructively as a team member to make a positive contribution with all volunteers from the Partnership.

● Attend bimonthly volunteer, coordinator meetings and casework meetings if required. All based in Watford and/or via Zoom.

● Facilitate frequent befriender meetings to create a supportive culture.

Requirements of the Role:

● 7-10 hours a week with some attendance on Tuesdays 11.30-1.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Watford.

● Empathetic, patient and well organised.

● Act as an ambassador for WTRRP and uphold its vision.

Skills:

● An ability to communicate effectively in writing, over the telephone, face to face and in an appropriate manner with volunteers and clients.

● Ability to work respectfully and modify behaviour in relation to volunteer’s and client’s different needs.

Desirable experience: 

● Previous befriending experience.

● Previous volunteering experience.

● Experience of people management or of a people-facing role.

If you are interested in becoming a Befriending Coordinator and would like an application form please contact us.

If you want to have a chat about this role, please let us know and someone from the Partnership will contact you. 

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life threatening  or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed.

As a Volunteer Driver, you will help to give additional support to the families we work with by  providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport, enabling them to travel safely to healthcare appointments, school and to other activities.

Your role may include:

• Providing transport for families to and from home or hospital appointments, according to their specific needs
• Providing transport to enable families to attend Rainbow Trust support groups
• Transporting siblings to and from trips or activities at school orwith other providers, as and when required

What we’re looking for:

• A confident, calm and patient driver
• Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Experience of interacting with children and young people
• An ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
• Non-judgemental, warm, friendly and with a sense of humour
• A commitment to following our policies regarding safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality
• A full driving licence held for a minimum of 2 years, and use of your own vehicle is required for this role
• All ages from 21 onwards are welcome

Your commitment:

• We ask that you are available to volunteer regularly. Most of our drivers support us flexibly on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on family need
• Times can vary between 8am - 6pm, Monday – Friday, depending on appointment times, but there is flexibility depending on the needs of the family and your availability
• To enable you to get the most out of your volunteer role, we are looking for volunteers who are available for the next 12 months

Training and Support

• A dedicated member of Rainbow Trust staff will guide and support you in your work 
• You will receive a full induction to the charity and a programme of training relevant to your role, to help you get the most from your time with us
• Training will cover areas such as safeguarding, active listening skills, bereavement, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR
• Further modules will be available for you if you would like to develop your knowledge
• All care volunteers will receive regular one to one support and more formal supervision sessions

Why choose Rainbow Trust?

• We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people
• Professional training and opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge
• The enjoyment of becoming part of our friendly and welcoming team, knowing you are making a valuable contribution to the lives of the families we support
• A calendar of social events for volunteers, including Christmas events and celebrations for Volunteers’ Week
• We will reimburse your out-of-pocket travel expenses

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

About Pain

Concern Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. 

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life changing results

Role purpose

The treasurer acts as a trustee of the charity, with additional responsibilities for overseeing the charities funds. Day to day bookkeeping is carried out in the office by the charity’s accounts clerks, using a Sage accounting package. Please note that for safeguarding purposes, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a PVG check. The cost of which will be covered by Pain Concern. This role reports into the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chair.

What you would be doing

• To monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the board of trustees at regular (monthly) intervals.

• Overseeing the preparation of the accounts and annual financial statements.
• Leading the board in its duty to ensure that the financial accounts are kept in line with regulatory requirements and reports are filed with OSCR and Companies House.

• Leading in the development and implementation of charity’s reserves policies. • Overseeing the financial controls and adherence to systems.

• Acting as a counter signatory on cheques and online payments. • Board‐level liaison with the external scrutiniser of the accounts.

• Complete Trustee Induction training

• Complete Safeguarding training for Trustees

• Respond in a timely manner to trustee business conducted by email and attend any ad-hoc meetings (appropriate notice given)

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:

• Lived experience/interest in chronic pain or chronic conditions

• Qualifications in either accountancy, finance and/or business studies.

• Experience in an accountancy role

• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

• A working understanding of IT, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams Commitment and location

• Attend 1-2hr online evening meetings 4-6 times per year

• Volunteer from your own location

Benefits to you

• Opportunity to meet new people

• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

• Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community

How do I apply?

Please complete the application form on our website

About the role

Our volunteers play a crucial role in our organisation, enabling us to offer a diverse range of additional services to the people we support.  By becoming a home visitor, you can develop your communication and interpersonal skills, and you will make a vital difference to the person you visit by reducing their feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Time Commitment

This role requires a weekly commitment at a time to be agreed by both you and the individual. We will regularly make contact with you both to see how the relationship is building and offer ongoing support as needed. You will be required to undertake a short Sighted Guide training session, provided by us, if you propose to take an individual out of the house for a walk or coffee. 

To ensure a member of staff is available in case of a safeguarding concern, we ask that visits take place Monday - Friday between 9am and 4pm. 

Benefits

Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey will reimburse travel expenses incurred through your role with us. We also hold regular social events and an annual celebration event which allows our volunteers to meet each other. As an organisation we are committed to regularly offering ongoing training to volunteers based on feedback they give us, such as dementia training and safeguarding training. 

Requirements

• We are looking for friendly, reliable people who can be patient with individuals who may be blind, partially sighted or hard of hearing. Your role is to be there to provide a befriending service, and if requested, offer them a walk around their local area or a coffee in a local café.  
• The role will not involve providing personal or health care, taking an individual to any medical appointments or shopping.
• To assist the person to continue any hobby that their sensory impairment is making it more difficult to achieve, within the home environment such as reading for pleasure (not reading correspondence) or playing a game.  

We will match you with someone in your local area and wherever possible you will be matched with an individual who shares similar interests.

You may be asked from time to time if you are able to support other volunteer roles including one to one support with vulnerable adults. Please be aware that volunteers are required to have an enhanced check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and join the DBS Update Service to ensure that regular checks can be undertaken during your volunteering service. Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey would apply for this on your behalf at no cost to yourself.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’ 

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer  Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual;

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

Overview of the role

Uttlesford Foodbank are seeking someone with financial experience to join the board as a trustee, who will be able to lead on financial matters, ensuring we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting, and good practice frameworks.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the Board of Trustees fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Uttlesford Foodbank
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping financial records up to date.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop

Benefits of volunteering

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us
• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community
• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank
• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision
• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships

This role would be ideal for an early- or mid-career financial professional who is looking to broaden their range of skills and experiences within a friendly, welcoming, charity setting.

Impact of your role

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, Uttlesford Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable A-Level Chemistry tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to A-Level Chemistry. 

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

What are we looking for? 

Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of A-Level Chemistry concepts and specifications.

Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What difference will you make? 

Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

What will you gain?

The opportunity to fight education inequities and make a difference in a young person's life

Enhanced DBS Certificate

Safeguarding level one training

Skill development opportunities and practical experience