Service volunteer volunteer roles in thornton heath, greater london

Are you passionate about making a difference and supporting a charitable organisation to achieve its mission? Do you want to use your skills and experience to guide a volunteer-led trust? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and contribute to the strategic direction and governance of our organisation. As a trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that we continue to support young people and communities effectively.

About the Alec Dickson Trust

Alec Dickson together with his wife Moira, founded Voluntary Service overseas (VSO) and later Community Service Volunteer (CSV) as they passionately believed that anyone – whatever their background – could make a positive contribution to the world around them. Alec pioneered the involvement of young volunteers with backgrounds in offending, drug misuse and homelessness, built up a programme of community service work in schools, and campaigned vigorously for a nationwide community service. It was with this spirit of adventure and belief in young people that the Alec Dickson Trust was established after Alec’s death in 1994. Since then, the Trust has continued his legacy by awarding grants to young people with innovative community projects promoting volunteering up to the value of £500. 

Joining the Alec Dickson Trust

We are looking to recruit 2-4 trustees with a diverse set of skills and experiences. 

We welcome applications from disadvantaged/underrepresented groups and backgrounds outside of the charity sector. We are particularly interested to hear from first-time trustees and applicants with skills in fundraising and communications. 

There will be some flexibility in the exact nature of each trustee role, but we currently expect vacancies in the following areas: Fundraising and Communications – please let us know in your application if you want to apply for a specific role.

The Fundraising role will include developing and implementing the fundraising strategy, focusing on engaging and securing donations from public and private charitable bodies. The communications role will include developing and agreeing a social media strategy, creating content to promote the trust and extend our outreach and modernising our website. 

Interested? We would be delighted to hear from you and look forward to being in touch soon.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A clear passion for volunteering to help make a difference to young people and communities across the UK.

• A willingness to review and challenge funding applications to ensure money is spent effectively.

• Preparedness to contribute to discussions and make difficult decisions

• A willingness to participate in committees in order to continually improve the Trust and grant-management process.

• Applicants can be from any background, with any qualifications or work experience, though we particularly welcome applications from individuals who have not previously been trustees.

Desirable:

• Experience in fundraising and/ or communications.

• Effective communication and team working skills.

• Problem solving and adaptability.

Commitment

• Trustees attend approximately eight board meetings per year, typically held via Google meet.

• They are also expected to contribute two hours per week to support the Trust’s work.

• Trustees are expected to make a minimum commitment of 2 years in post.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (500 words max) on: “why you would like to be a Trustee of the Alec Dickson Trust and what you would bring to the Board” outlining how you meet the criteria listed above by 6pm on 30th April 2025. Please include in the subject line of the email “Trustee Recruitment *followed by your name*” If you have any questions before applying, please feel free to reach out to the above email address. Existing trustees will be happy to have an informal chat or answer any questions.

When you should expect to hear from us

We would be delighted to hear from you and will aim to get back to you within 3 weeks of the closing date to let you know if we would like to progress your application.

Interviews

Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing Monday 19th May in the evenings. They will be around 30 minutes long and will be a chance for you to meet members of the Board of Trustees and talk to us about your interest in this role in more detail.

Activity Facilitation - customise your own one day volunteering opportunity!

Date: March 2025 - Feb 2026, one off shifts scheduled on the last Friday of each month (see below for specific dates)
Location: Ealing, West London or online 
Address: Haven Green Baptist Church -Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2UP (face to face session) or Online
Timings: 12.45- 13.15
Who will see the difference? Our patients with chronic and long term conditions.

We are looking for passionate and creative volunteers to bring joy and engagement to our Support Circle Group, a community space for individuals living with chronic and long-term illnesses. The Support Circle Group provides a safe and welcoming environment where participants can connect and share experiences. As part of our sessions, we would love to introduce creative activities to uplift and inspire our members.

Some proposed activity areas we can consider:

 Music – Singers, musicians, or who can bring live music.
Arts & Crafts – Simple and accessible creative activities for self-expression.
Games & Activities – Light hearted, inclusive, and interactive fun.
Other Creative Talents – Poetry, storytelling, or any other engaging ideas.

The volunteering activity:

We will need support with;

-  Participating in a briefing meeting with the service to further explore your proposed activity in your volunteering application
- Clarify practical support needs from the team for the activity to take place e.g. venue set up
- Facilitate your chosen and agreed volunteering activity session you’d like to offer
- Consider formal risk assessments with the support of your Trust point of contact for safe and effective delivery of activities

Considerations

We do not have resources to provide materials, but the goal is simply to spark interest and engagement. The activity will serve as a light and enjoyable way for participants to connect, express themselves, and find joy at the end of each session. Consider keeping activities simple but meaningful and rewarding for patients e.g. origami is fun and interactive whilst requiring very little material resource. Sessions last for 30 minutes, another reason why simple ideas will work. We are happy to discuss your initial ideas to align them to group goals too upon applying (no idea is a bad idea).

Session dates:

F = Face to Face; O= Online

28th March 24  (O)
25th April (F)
23rd May (O)
27th June (F)
25th July (O)
22nd Aug (F)
26th Sept (O)
24th Oct (F)
28th Nov (O)
12th Dec (F)
Jan 2026 (O)
Feb 2026 (F)

Next steps

Please apply via our website

The New Normal are seeking a Volunteer to support Volunteer recruitment, onboarding, co-ordination and support, supporting the Volunteer/Operational Lead. 

We are looking for a driven and proactive 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 reliably provide around 10 hours per month on a flexible basis. 

We are seeking someone who has experience managing or supporting volunteers or staff. They should have skills in organisation, communication, co-ordination and empathy. It would be preferable if they have experience in a charity, non-profit or community organisation and knowledge of volunteer management and recruitment.

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.] 

The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.

Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are: 

• People Coordinator 

• Volunteer Engagement Coordinator 

• Referrals Coordinator 

• Training Coordinator 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

• Track the attendance of all volunteers. 

• Maintain friendly relationships with caseworkers. 

• Be the first point of contact for queries from volunteers and signpost to the relevant team/person. 

• Support the accessibility needs of volunteers attending in person or online. 

• Organise socials for the organisation. 

• Feedback volunteer experiences to the management team. 

• Support the People Coordinator to ensure the smooth onboarding and offboarding of volunteers. 

• In person attendance on Saturdays is compulsory but there is no expectation of remote work throughout week. 

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

We are looking for volunteer to work with residents at our refuge to maintain our beautiful and spacious garden. The women we support here have fled to refuge due to experiencing VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) who also have additional barriers to accessing other services such as significant mental health support needs and/or problematic alcohol and/or substance use. We believe that spending time in nature, socialising and working together on a shared project is beneficial for mental and physical health, as well as building positive connections between residents in the house. Frances House is trauma-informed service and endeavours to give the women opportunities for personal agency over their own space

About the role

You will work alongside our Wellbeing Group worker to support the delivery of these sessions. Tasks may include:

• Maintaining and improving the beauty of our outdoor garden space.
• Supporting the facilitation of gardening activities which could include planting and nurturing trees, bushes, flowers, shrubs and other greenery.
• Tasks may also include other landscaping activities such as building rockeries, shelters, etc.
• Helping to create wellbeing areas in the garden which might include herb gardens, vegetable patches or sheltered quiet spaces.
• Providing supportive encouragement, enabling residents to recognise their self-worth, gain self-confidence and improve their social skills.
• Supporting clients to learn practical skills that may lead to voluntary work or employment.
• Carrying out standard gardening maintenance including cutting the grass, managing weed control and leaf raking.
• Explore possibility of using garden materials for therapeutic craft activities.
• Providing guidance to the team on matters related to the garden.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer who has a keen interest and knowledge in horticulture. The ideal volunteer will have:

• Patience, tolerance and understanding.
• The ability to relate positively and respectfully to people, with a non-judgemental attitude.
• The ability to encourage and motivate.
• The ability to share various gardening related skills.
• The ability to make the most of limited or non-existent budgets.
• Basic awareness of mental health issues and substance use.
• Self-motivated – able to carry out tasks unsupervised.
• Flexibility regarding variety of tasks associated with the role.
• An interest or understanding of working with women affected by domestic/sexual violence/mental health/substance use.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Reliable and good time management.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

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

• Use gardening skills to gain experience of supporting women with multiple needs in a trauma-informed way.
• Gain a better understanding of the impact of domestic/sexual violence on women and children and how supported accommodation operates.
• Join a positive, motivated and enthusiastic team of women making a difference in people’s lives.

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

We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis for this role.

Background to the role:

Keep Active is a volunteer-delivered project at The Creighton Centre, which aims to provide support to older people (60+) who have had a fall, stroke or other illness.  We work in partnership with the NHS Community Rehabilitation Service across Hammersmith & Fulham. As a Keep Active Volunteer you would visit an older person (the average age is 84) once a week for up to nine weeks to help them with improving mobility indoors with exercises, or outdoors with walks in their community. This project aims to empower people to get back to independence, access community once more and reduce risks of future falls and hospital re-admittance.

Availability/commitment:

· To live in or near Hammersmith and Fulham, or travel regularly through

· To be able to spare 1-2 hours a week, preferably during working hours

Role of the Keep Active Volunteer:

· To attend an initial one-off training session [with Volunteer Coordinator and therapists from NHS rehabilitation teams].

· To visit an older person’s home once a week for up to 9 weeks to supervise and motivate them to continue practicing their exercise and walking goals, as prescribed by NHS rehabilitation teams.

· Support might include:

- A walk around their local community possibly going to the park or visiting shops.

- Encouraging them to complete a prescribed gentle exercise program.

- Keeping an older and sometimes isolated person company.

- Visiting someone in their homes to help them reach their exercise goals.

NB: Please note that this is a volunteer role and you will not be expected to provide any physical support. This is a motivational role only.

We will provide:

· Induction training and NHS Community Rehabilitation led training (weekday training).

· Regular contact and support from the project staff.

· Occasional social events for volunteers

· Occasional training opportunities for volunteers

· A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us

· An enhanced DBS check

· Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred during your volunteering

Skills needed:

· Good listening and communication skills and a good level of spoken English.

· Empathy and a kind and patience approach.

· Enthusiasm and commitment.

· A friendly personality.

· The desire to make a positive difference to someone’s health and wellbeing

· Ability to cope with clients who are unwell.

· A positive attitude towards empowering and improving the lives of older people

· An understanding of and commitment to our policies (including: Confidentiality, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities)

Accountable to:

Keep Active Coordinator

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Chiswick High Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Role: Welcome volunteer

Team: Tooting Hub – CARAS ESOL (Youth/Adult)

Supervised by: Team Project Coordinator

Location: Tooting Hub site

Activity times: Monday or Wednesday

Time commitment: 2 hour shifts on a rolling basis.

We ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 4 months

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 the Role:

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to join our new Welcome team at Tooting Hub. This is a new role. Welcome volunteers will provide a friendly face to existing community members attending our regular projects. They will also be the important ‘face of CARAS and our welcome at the door’ to people attending projects for the first time, to visitors and to people dropping in unannounced to enquire about CARAS’s service. Volunteers will meet and greet, and ensure all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting. There will be an administrative element to the role (updating registers and emailing enquiries to CARAS staff, for example).

Who will you be?

We work hard to ensure our services feel welcoming and inclusive. It is important that this new team is representative of our diverse local and internal CARAS community. Whether you are new to volunteering with CARAS or are a regular volunteer looking to vary your role or a community member wanting to develop some leadership skills or volunteering experience, this might be the exact project for you.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

· Signing up to a shift/s on the Tooting HUB welcome team rota

· Able to be at Tooting Hub in person to complete agreed shifts

· Welcoming staff, volunteers, existing and potential new community members and visitors

· Ensuring all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting

· Ensuring everyone completes the onsite register on arrival to comply with safeguarding, health and safety and fire evacuation policies

· Taking agreed initial intake information for new / drop in visitors wanting to attend a taster activity

· Conducting induction tours of the building and introductions to facilities, key staff, and partners

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles): 

Essential: 

· A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach

· Happy and confident to meet new people and put them at their ease

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English

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

· Confidence in using one’s own judgement to follow agreed policy

· Good IT admin skills in using Microsoft office, outlook, Google search, online forms etc

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Punctual and reliable

· To be able to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays for a minimum of four months

Desirable:

· Lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/ or the UK immigration system.

· Personal experience of working with people seeking asylum.

· Proficiency in one or more of the following community languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process.

Benefits to Volunteering:

· 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.

· Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· 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.

Refettorio Felix is a community kitchen with an open-door policy in the Earl's Court area. We provide a safe haven and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those facing homelessness and financial crises.

Using surplus food ingredients, our kitchen freshly prepares a three-course lunch for up to 140 people per weekday. We are looking for friendly and dedicated volunteers to support us in our mission to provide fresh and nutritious meals to our guests.

Your support will have a meaningful impact on the quality of lives of the most vulnerable members of the community. From trained and experienced Chefs to keen home cooks, we would love to hear from you!

Single Parents Support and Advice Services is a Charitable Incorporated Company with over 35000 members UK wide. 

Our charity founder and director, Nicola Booth, took the initiative to set up SPSAS in 2012, with the purpose to reduce isolation, loneliness, and to promote equal and fair treatment amongst Single Parents and their Children. We also aim to help, advise and support single / lone parents by giving them access to support and services that they normally would not be able to access for varied reasons. We try to eliminate the stigma attached to being a single parent in society, within all ethnicities across the UK. 

Our charity runs solely on donations and all members of our charity, including the director are currently working on a non-paid voluntary basis. Despite these hurdles, we feel we have made a positive impact with our services. 

We are looking for a solicitor or barrister to occasionally supervise our legal student advisors currentlystudying LPC/BPC. The role is based remotely

Key Responsibilities:

Your duties will include, but are not limited to, will include the supervision of students carrying out legal work, including some legal advice activity, 

Essential

·Be a qualified solicitor/barrister with experience of family law and various other laws;

·Have a valid practice certificate 

·Commitat least 1 day a week for a minimum 3-month period

·Have an enthusiasm for working with students;

·Have proven networking and public speaking skills;

·Be dedicated to providing a stimulating learning environment for students;

·Have a demonstrable commitment to pro bono, ideally through pro bono work or volunteering;

·Have an understanding of and commitment to the roles of both clinics and pro bono in the provision of legal services;

·Have excellent organisational and management skills;

·Have excellent verbal and written skills and ability to convey complex information in an accessible way;

·Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines ;

·Be able to prioritise tasks;

·Be able to work as part of a team;

·Be able to use computer and information technology;

·Demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative and motivation

We hope we have caught your interest and very much appreciate it if you would agree to become a volunteer for SPSAS.

This role is an opportunity to get experience of working in a busy office environment supporting a legal advice service. Through providing vital administrative support, responding to enquiries, arranging client meetings and coordinating interpreters, you will help our expert legal advisers to deliver specialist legal advice and representation to refugees and survivors in complex cases. Through this role, you will get experience of working in a legal advice organisation and an understanding of its administrative and support needs. As the role develops, there may also be the opportunity to gain basic knowledge of Legal Aid procedures and client care.

Main tasks and activities

· Providing general administrative support such as copying, scanning, filing documents, data entry and generating reports from client databases;

· Basic reception duties including answering the phone, taking messages, opening and distributing post, and monitoring our email inboxes;

· Maintaining signposting list and providing information about alternative services where we cannot assist;

· Booking client appointments and interpreters, and maintaining interpreter register;

· Assisting the Legal Administrator and/or Billing Coordinator with preparing files for billing or transfer to another provider.

Skills and experience needed

· Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of Asylum Aid;

· A demonstrable empathy for our vulnerable clients, including asylum seekers, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking;

· Punctual, reliable and self-motivated with a positive, ’can-do’ attitude;

· Basic understanding of the challenges facing our clients and of the UK asylum system

· High degree of accuracy and attention to detail

· Experience of working with spreadsheet computer programs (e.g. Excel) and databases

· Confidence with IT skills

· Excellent organisational skills

· Strong communication skills – written, verbally on the phone and face-to-face

· Ability to work well as part of a team and form effective working relationships

· Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and respect for client confidentiality

· Ability to complete tasks independently once given a clear brief

What you will get out of the role:

· Greater understanding of the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees;

· Knowledge of the UK asylum process and associated legal systems;

· Experience of working in a busy legal advice service;

· Basic awareness of Legal Aid eligibility and procedures;

· Experience of taking calls and responding to enquiries from vulnerable and often distressed clients;

· Stronger administrative skills;

· Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;

· An ability to multi-task between competing priorities.

Equal Opportunities

The Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer. We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in at every level within the organisation.  We particularly welcome applications from those with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Please attach a cover letter under 'Supporting Documents' along with your CV. Unfortunately, applications which do not include a cover letter cannot be taken forward to interview.

Due to capacity constraints, we will only respond to applicants who are being invited to interview. 

Please note, a three-month probation period is in place across all HBF voluntary roles.

Please note that successful candidates will be offered the volunteer position subject to an Enhanced DBS certificate.

We are looking for self-motivated and compassionate individuals to help deliver our Helpline service and make a difference to the lives of anyone affected by cancer.

The Helpline offers those with cancer a chance to share their feelings and experiences with someone who has empathy for what they are going through. Helpline Volunteers create a safe and welcoming environment, listen, and provide emotional support and signposting individuals onto further information.

No special qualifications are needed for this role, but access to a telephone in a comfortable quiet setting is essential.