Volunteer Roles

Are you passionate about supporting young people? Do you love making a difference in your community? We're looking for enthusiastic Community Fundraising Volunteers!

You can either volunteer from home, or spend some time in our offices in Wallingford and Didcot with our friendly teams!

What You'll Do:

• Identify opportunities for local fundraising
• Organise and participate in local fundraising activities.
• Engage with the community to raise awareness and support of the important work our team does!
• Have fun while making a positive impact on the lives of young people in Didcot, Wallingford and beyond.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and friendly team.
• Opportunities to develop new skills.
• The chance to make a real difference in your community.

Let's make a difference together!

Train Youth – Empowering Young People in South Oxfordshire

Volunteer Opportunity: General Coordinator

Are you looking to advance your coordination skills while making a profound impact on vulnerable communities? Join our dedicated team as a General Coordinator at [Refugee Charity Name] in Northern France. This role offers you the opportunity to apply and expand your coordination expertise in a meaningful and dynamic environment.

Position: General Coordinator (Volunteer)

Commitment: Minimum 6 months

Location: Northern France

Start Date: Mid-July 2024 (or earlier, if available)

About the Role

As the General Coordinator, you will be at the forefront of our mission, playing a crucial role in managing our operations and supporting refugees. You will oversee daily activities, ensure effective logistics, and foster a collaborative environment among staff and volunteers. This position is ideal for someone looking to deepen their experience in coordination while making a significant difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight: Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operations.

• Logistics Management: Coordinate schedules, resources, and logistical needs effectively.

• Volunteer Support: Assist in recruiting, training, and guiding volunteers, promoting a positive and cohesive team spirit.

• Communication: Act as a vital link between various teams, stakeholders, and external partners.

• Safeguarding: Uphold and implement our safeguarding policies to protect all individuals involved.

• Problem Solving: Address and resolve operational challenges promptly and effectively.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Training: Receive detailed training to help you excel in your role.

• Accommodation & Meals: Comfortable housing and nutritious meals are provided.

• Professional Development: Enhance your coordination and management skills in a practical setting.

• Community Impact: Make a meaningful difference by supporting and empowering refugees in Northern France.

Qualifications

• Driving Experience: Must have at least 3 years of driving experience.

• Experience: Previous coordination or management experience is beneficial but not required; we provide full training.

• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Attitude: Proactive, enthusiastic, and a team player.

• Commitment to Safeguarding: Understanding and commitment to upholding safeguarding principles.

Why Join Us?

By volunteering with us, you will:

• Develop Key Skills: Build and enhance your experience in coordination, leadership, and safeguarding.

• Make a Tangible Difference: Contribute significantly to the support and empowerment of refugees in Northern France.

• Form Meaningful Connections: Work with a diverse group of passionate and committed individuals.

• Experience Personal Growth: Achieve significant personal and professional growth through your involvement.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take on this impactful role and grow your coordination experience, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information or to apply, please contact us.

Take the next step in your coordination career and join us as a General Coordinator. Your journey to making a real difference starts here!

Note: This is a volunteer position with a minimum commitment of 6 months.

Director - Compost London

Are you passionate about supporting the voluntary sector and enhancing community capacity? Compost London is seeking dedicated individuals to join its Board of Directors and help it continue to contribute to a thriving voluntary sector in Newham.

As a Director with Compost London, you will be joining at a pivotal time in Compost’s journey. Working closely with four other directors and the new CEO to set and deliver strategic goals, developing the sustainability of its business model, and refreshing the team to ensure it has the diversity and skills it needs for its next chapter.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer? Then volunteer with us and join the #TeamBigC family which promises to give you a sense of purpose as well as the opportunity to work as part of a hard-working, values-driven, and people-focused team.

Help us to raise vital funds to support our work by volunteering as a Retail Assistant within our Fakenham Big C shop. This is a fabulous opportunity where you can put your skills to use for a meaningful cause and develop new ones.

About the role

There are various tasks you might get involved with including:

• processing sales transactions through the till
• stock rotation
• pricing stock
• tidying the shop floor and stock room
• assisting with customer enquiries
• assisting, when necessary, with shop window displays
• sorting through donated stock and bric-a-brac items for their suitability for sale
• hanging and steaming garments

Big C's Core Values are Respect, Empathy, Support, Trust and Honesty.These provide a benchmark for behaviour across the organisation. If you share these values, and have the skills and experience, we would love to hear from you.

Hours/Time Commitment

Opening Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Saturday

You choose how long and how often you would like to volunteer, whether this is 1 hour a week or 1 day a month.

Benefits of volunteering

• know you are contributing to improving the lives of those affected by cancer
• have a sense of purpose, focus, and personal achievement
• enhance your CV, boosting career options
• learn new skills (e.g., customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative, and responsibility)
• share skills and expertise with others
• gain confidence through meeting new people and have fun

Recruitment Process

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

We also offer trials where you can volunteer for up to 1 day without going through the recruitment process to see if volunteering in this role is for you so get in touch today to find out more.

Once we have received your application, the shop manager will have an informal chat either via phone or in person. Upon receipt of 2 satisfactory references, the manager will arrange an induction.

We are recruiting volunteers to oversee and help at Pride stalls across the UK.  

It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. We strive to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ youth.

At Pride, we share positive stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage attendees to share their story, message to their younger self, or message of support. The conversations we have are uplifting and often emotional. 

What will I be doing? 

• Choose one or more Pride events which you commit to attending with us. 

• Help set up and tidy up stand at beginning/end of event. 

• Welcome people to the stall, invite them to learn about stories from others in the community, and share their own stories.

• Support fundraising and raising awareness with our branded badges. 

• Engage event participants in positive messaging opportunities and story-collecting via our whiteboards: “a message to my younger self”. 

• Get photo consent from participants so that we can share their messages on our platforms. 

• Help produce video messages, recording participants' stories of hope. 

• Promote volunteering roles within It Gets Better and let people know to how to get involved. 

• Signpost people to our resources and how we can support them. 

• Listen to stall attendees’ stories with warmth and respect. 

What skills / experience do I need? 

• A personable and friendly manner 

• Confidence in crowds, speaking to strangers and members of the public

• Sensitivity to, awareness of LGBTQ+ issues 

Which Pride events will It Gets Better UK be at?  

• We have a rolling list - currently we're planning to be at: 

  • Brighton: 3-4 Aug

  • Bristol: 13 July 

  • Cambridge: 15 June

  • Edinburgh: 22 June

  • London: 29 June

  • Trans+ Pride London: 27 July

  • UK Black Pride London: 11 Aug

  • Walsall: 24 Aug

• Don’t see us at a Pride near you? Contact us about becoming an It Gets Better Regional Ambassador and running a stall with our support!

Time commitment: Pride events are usually Saturdays in June, July, August. Full-day or half-day. 

Support for you: You’ll receive our Volunteer Handbook and attend a briefing. Each stall will have multiple volunteers so nobody is alone.

What will I gain? 

• The satisfaction that you are helping to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth 

• Being part of an international movement 

• The opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop and learn new ones 

• It Gets Better UK will act as a referee for you after your successful participation 

• Reimbursement of expenses incurred (with prior agreement) 

How do I apply?  

Please contact us via Charityjob or our website - We’ll then meet online for an introductory conversation, seek a reference, and share our resources for you to read. 

About We Are Family 

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years. 

You can find out more about us here. 

The Role

We are looking for new trustees to strengthen and enhance our board. The key responsibilities of the role include, governance, overseeing policy and direction, financial oversight and assisting with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s Vision, Mission, Values and needs.

This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses -  such as travel / childcare -  covered by We Are Family.  Trustees can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Commitment

Trustee capacity to devote the time needed for the following is essential:

• 4 Board meetings per year

• 2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)

• Membership of at least one sub-committee (which also meet 4 times a year)

We estimate 8-10 hours for the charity per month. The duration of membership for a new Board member is for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of appointment for a further three year term.

Skills and Experience 

All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Be able to show high levels of professionalism and an ability to work collaboratively with others, including Trustees, our core team and the wider Volunteer network at We Are Family

• Be well-organised, with good written and verbal communication skills.

• Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. A thorough induction, and further trustee training as appropriate, can be provided. 

We are particularly interested candidates with the following experience:

• Working as a professional with or in the adoption sector,

• Advocacy and/or research work;

• Finance/charity finance

• Leadership within a charity

• Education 

• Legal.

Although many of our current trustees are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board. 

To Apply 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please get in touch!

Refer to our job ad for the Applications email address and email our team. If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please let us know.

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.

‘Fight For Home’ Group Member - Lancashire

Role summary

Are you keen to use your creative energy or organisational skills to bring your community together to fight for home? We’re looking for enthusiastic people to join and shape local ‘Fight For Home’ Groups. With a team of other local volunteers, you’ll generate ideas, plan and deliver fundraising events and raise awareness of the housing emergency within your community.

• Suggested involvement: Varied, at least once a month
• Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with meetings and events likely to take place in evenings and weekends
• Location: Lancashire
• Supervised by: Regional Community Fundraiser

Why volunteer with Shelter?

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now. Together with individuals, in communities and across society, we will lead the way for a safe home for all. But we need your help to do it.

You’ll be joining a new and exciting project – our ‘Fight For Home’ Fundraising Groups, which we’re setting up across England and Scotland. You’ll meet and volunteer with other local people who believe that home is everything and want to be part of our movement for change.  You’ll be joining our passionate, fun Community Fundraising team as well as our wider community of 2,500 volunteers who fight for home in our shops and frontline services!  We have committed to combat racism both within and outside of Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

Main tasks

This is a flexible and diverse role. Here are some of the activities you might get involved in:

• Support with planned Shelter activity including fundraising in your community
• Generating fundraising ideas with the group
• Organising and hosting your own fundraising events
• Inspiring your network of contacts to support the fight for home
• Attending local events, such as Rotary meetings or community fairs, to raise awareness of Shelter and collecting donations
• Speaking about what we do and promoting national campaigns in your community
• Raising awareness of our local Community Hubs

Skills and Experiences Required

We’re looking for volunteers with a range of skills to form our Fight For Home Groups. You might have some but not all of these skills – we’d still love to hear from you!

• An interest in joining the fight for home
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work well within a team
• Enjoys planning, problem solving and participating!
• A creative self-starter
• Social media skills

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

• Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a catalyst for change!
• Meet local people and be part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills
• Gain valuable experience and enhance your CV

Learning & Development

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

• Put you in contact with your local Community Fundraiser who will support you in the role
• Provide you with relevant policies
• Provide relevant induction, training and information
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Role: Youth ‘GRS’ casework volunteer 

Team: Casework 

Supervised by: Youth caseworker 

Location: Tooting Hub on a Wednesday afternoon (between 12:30-18:00pm) 

Time commitment: 2.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 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 CARAS Casework: 

CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support young people to navigate the asylum system, understand their rights and entitlements, access education, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues. 

Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves. 

About CARAS GRS: 

CARAS runs a “Get Ready for School” (GRS) programme for newly arrived Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children who are eligible for statutory education but do not yet have a place in school or college. The programme helps young people prepare for mainstream education by offering six hours a week of classroom-based ESOL learning alongside numeracy, digital literacy, and study skills. These sessions take place on a Monday and a Wednesday.  

Under statutory guidelines, a looked-after child in year 11 or below must be placed in full-time education within 20 school days.1 If the young person is out of education for longer than four weeks, they can continue attending Get Ready for School for up to 12 weeks, with CARAS additionally offering the young person and their support network help from our Casework team to ensure that they are accessing full-time education as soon as possible.

About the Role: 

We are currently recruiting for 3 volunteers to join our Youth Casework team as a GRS needs assessment caseworker. 

The purpose of the Youth ‘GRS’ Casework volunteer role is to support young people with a refugee or asylum-seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to complete a needs assessment to establish what support they may need alongside GRS. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum information, accessing healthcare and education, accessing support from their local authority, and finding activities and opportunities. There are often supplementary referrals that come out of the GRS needs assessments that will need equal care and attention from volunteers. 

On occasion, you will offer support to the GRS team to support young peoples’ learning journey and develop a wider understanding of the GRS programme. 

You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action. 

The GRS volunteer will attend our community space in Tooting Hub on Wednesday afternoons for 2.5 hours between 12:30-18:00pm. Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members. Volunteers also support administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources, and creating information guides. 

Youth Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:  

Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting. 

Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements. 

Assisting with filling out forms. 

Signposting and referring to other services and organisations. 

Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner. 

Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations, and grants. 

Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required. 

Keeping accurate case notes. 

Supporting to maintain our signposting database. 

Researching and collating resources. 

Working collaboratively as a team and assisting in shaping the Youth Casework project. 

Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality Policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

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

Essential:  

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

Confidence in using IT (Microsoft Office, Outlook, Zoom, Google Search, online forms) 

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

A commitment to confidentiality and data protection 

Thorough with good attention to detail 

Reliable 

A high level of spoken and written English 

Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way 

A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach 

Enjoyment in speaking to new people 

A commitment to working in an empowering way 

Able to maintain boundaries 

Able to work autonomously 

Currently resident in the UK 

Desirable: 

Experience in doing 1:1 advice work/casework 

Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights, and entitlements for people seeking asylum. 

Direct experience of the UK immigration system. 

Past experience of working with people seeking asylum. 

Proficiency in one or more of the following 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 of 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. 

To Apply: 

Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Youth caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP. 

Successful applicants will be required to complete 2 hours of online general CARAS induction and 2 hours of online safeguarding training and specialist Casework volunteer training before commencing their placement. 

It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. We strive to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ youth.

The It Gets Better Project was founded in 2010 in America. Since then, affiliated charities have been formed in over 20 different countries. We are now at the exciting stage of continue to grow and develop the UK affiliate having formally launched in October 2018.

Join our network of Regional Ambassadors to help promote It Gets Better UK, to inspire and engage with members of their local LGBTQ+ communities to get involved, and to help fundraise.

We're particularly looking for new Ambassadors in Scotland at present - especially those who can help us have a presence at Pride events this summer. So far, we're planning to attend Edinburgh Pride on June 22. 

What will I be doing? 

• Raise awareness of It Gets Better UK and our work through talking to members of the LGBTQ+ community in your area, and on social media 

• Look after our information and fundraising stands at local events – most importantly, hosting an It Gets Better UK Pride stall in your local area. Members of the It Gets Better team will support you with sign-up admin and capacity on the day. So far, we're planning to attend Edinburgh Pride!

• Support other members of the It Gets Better UK volunteer team to deliver events in their area by adding capacity where possible, and within a distance that suits you – for example, helping out at a Pride stall run by another Ambassador nearby. 

• Deliver talks to local LGBTQ+ groups, community groups, schools etc about the work of It Gets Better UK and how they could help us achieve our goals 

• Inspire members of the LGBTQ+ community to add their own It Gets Better story to our work 

What skills/experience do I need? 

• Confident public speaker with excellent communication skills 

• Confident in crowds and talking to new people 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Reliable and professional demeanour 

• A personal and friendly manner 

• Flexibility to be called upon when needed 

• An honest and trustworthy nature 

• A good knowledge of the local LGBTQ+ community 

What is the time commitment? 

This is a flexible role and the times may vary, but we would expect you to spend at least two hours a week on your role. We ask Regional Ambassadors to be available for Pride events over the summer: this means some half/full day activities over the summer period, usually on Saturdays. You’ll be able to sign up for days which suit you. Regional Ambassadors are appointed for up to two years. Regional Ambassadors will have a monthly online meeting with their It Gets Better UK point of contact. 

 
How will I be trained and supported? 

• You will receive a full induction into It Gets Better UK and to your role 

• You will have a named contact who will support you and answer any questions 

• You will join our international and UK networks of volunteers where you can share ideas, ask questions, and support one another 

What can I gain from volunteering with you? 

• The satisfaction that you are helping to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth 

• Being part of an international movement 

• The opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop and learn new ones 

• It Gets Better UK will act as a referee for you after successful completion of your role 

• Reimbursement of any expenses incurred (with prior agreement) 

Where will I be based? 

This role is based within your local area, with some travel at your discretion and with expense reimbursement pre-agreed over the summer, to support the team’s efforts at Pride.

How do I apply? Please complete our Regional Ambassador form on the website. We’ll then meet online for an introductory conversation, seek 2 references, and conduct a DBS check. Once these steps are completed satisfactorily, we’ll share our resources for you to read. 

-- 

Keen to get involved, but not sure if this is the role for you? Head to our website to see our one-off Pride Helper role instead or get in touch to discuss any particular skills you can bring. 

Community Volunteer - Norfolk

Role summary

Do you want to join our movement and defend the right to a safe home? We’re looking for volunteers who can join us at events in the community to help us raise money and raise awareness! This is a highly flexible role.  We’ll let you know about upcoming events, and you choose which you’d like to attend or do. The housing emergency hurts everyone. The fight to end it starts here!

• Suggested involvement: Whatever works for you! You choose the events you volunteer at.
• Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with events taking place at different times and on different days over the year. You choose the ones that suit you.
• Location: Norfolk
• Supervised by: Regional Community Fundraiser

Main tasks

This is a flexible and diverse role. Here are some of the activities you might get involved in:

1. Support some of our community fundraising activity such as holding collection tins in public spaces or bag packing in supermarkets.
2. Volunteer at a range of events including community fairs, gigs, Pride marches, sporting events and street stalls.
3. Help us grow our movement for change by supporting petitions and raising awareness of our calls to action through social media.

This role is based within the Community Fundraising team. If you are looking to volunteer in our shops or services, please return to our homepage to find an appropriate opportunity.

Why volunteer with Shelter?

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now. Together with individuals, in communities and across society, we will lead the way for a safe home for all. But we need your help to do it. Becoming a Community Volunteer will give you the opportunity to take practical action and to meet other people who are passionate about tackling the housing emergency.

Skills and Experiences Required

• Passionate about joining the fight for home

Benefits of volunteering with us

• Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change!
• Contribute your time flexibly as and when it suits you
• Meet other volunteers locally
• Experience volunteering at a range of different events
• Entry to events you choose to volunteer at!
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

Learning & Development

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

• Put you in contact with your local Community Fundraiser who will support you in the role
• Provide you with relevant policies
• Provide relevant induction, training and information
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Next Steps

1. Please apply by clicking on ‘Fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch. We’ll invite successful applicants to an recruitment conversation.
2. Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. If the role you are applying for requires you to be involved in regulated activities, we require you to undertake a basic or enhanced DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us (using the email stated above), if you would like more information.

We are looking for writing mentors to support young people in our workshops to get inspired by writing and to boost their confidence. You do not have to be a writer to become a mentor, just lots of enthusiasm for working, patience and passion. Super Power Agency volunteers come from every walk of life. Some want to give back to their local community, others want to gain experience working with children and some just want to help out!

There are no set skills we require except patience, enthusiasm and passion. A good level of written and spoken English is also desirable. Volunteers will undergo training and will need a PVG screening.

We hold monthly induction sessions for new volunteers and ongoing support for current volunteers.

Home-Based Volunteering;Term Time;Flexible;Ad hoc

No set commitment but ideally at least 2 hours per month

What does RSPCA Mid Norfolk and North Suffolk Branch do? 

We are a separately registered charity to the National RSPCA, covering 2,500 square miles of Norfolk and Suffolk and fundraise within these areas. We work with local private boarding establishments and have a network of fosterers who help care for the animals within our Branch. Our primary source of funding is through our seven charity shops in Attleborough, Cromer, Dereham, Norwich, Sheringham and Wymondham.

The animal welfare services that we offer include: 

• Rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals

• Subsidised neutering and microchipping, financial aid for owned animals and a pet food bank 

• Advice and education sessions for schools and local groups. 

Our Mission and Values 

Our mission is to raise awareness, provide practical support and demonstrate compassion, in order to deliver excellent animal welfare in our Branch area. We have three key values which we uphold: 

• Honest 

• Passionate 

• Progressive 

What do RSPCA Branch Trustees do? 

RSPCA Branch Trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the Branch does and are collectively responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the Branch.  
“Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.” “They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members” - Charity Commission. 

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced Trustee or not, as Trustee training and induction will be provided.

We have identified gaps in one or more of the following skill areas, shared by our current board of Trustees, so this is our priority in terms of recruiting a new Trustee. 

• Business Development 

• IT/Digital 

• HR 

• Marketing and fundraising 

• Media 

What’s in it for you? 

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Trustee, including: 

• induction and Trustee training 

• claiming out of pocket expenses 

• the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing skills 

• the ability to use your expertise to improve the wellbeing of animals in your local area and make a real difference to the lives of animals 

• access to our learning hub, which contains training materials and courses on a variety of subjects 

• the chance to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare 

• the chance to shape the services in your local area 

• volunteering is good for your wellbeing. 

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.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

 

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events 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.

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.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

 

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

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

 

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• 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.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• 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 - fundraising workshops.
• 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 of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• 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 people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.
•  

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: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

 

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? No