Volunteer Roles

Balance (Support) CIO is creative and innovative charity providing a range of support services to people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health needs living in the boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.

We are seeking a new Treasurer who can build on the already considerable work the charity has undertaken to assert the independence, skills and abilities of people who are too often marginalised and forgotten by their wider communities. You will have considerable experience in a finance and accounting role, as willingness to get to grips with the financial governance obligations of a charity and drive the charity financial sustainability in a measured and assured manner.

What an Opportunity!

Opportunity International believe that financial training and services equips people to build sustainable businesses. This gives them the chance to work their own way out of poverty and provide a better future for their family and communities.

An exciting opportunity has now arisen for new Trustees to join the OIUK Board of Trustees. The new Trustees will support the governance and strategic leadership of OIUK, and alongside standard commitments, have passion and commitment to the cause.

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas would be of particular interest;

• finance,
• marketing and communications,
• micro-financing,
• banking,
• programme delivery,
• Government institutions.

OIUK is led by their Christian mandate, providing life-changing financial training and services to some of the poorest communities in the world.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to use your skills for a meaningful impact across the globe.

The Board meets once a quarter, usually in London or Oxford, and the meetings last about 3-4 hours. Papers are distributed in advance and take about 2-3 hours to review. Other meetings take place by telephone/Zoom as the need arises.

For more information, please contact Adam Stacey, Managing Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian.

Closing date: 30 July 2024

Charisma interviews must be completed by 2 August prior to shortlisting on 6 August

Friends Provident Foundation is looking for new Trustees to help guide its programmes of giving and investment, which aim to build a fair and sustainable economy in the UK. We are working toward this aim through supporting action, building knowledge, and using our endowment as a tool for change.

We are particularly seeking perspectives that may challenge conventional thinking and would like to hear from people with an active interest in how the economy works and who have a drive to shape society.

You will need to be committed to our ambitious mission of using all our assets to bring about the change we wish to see. We are seeking to appoint more than one Trustee and are particularly interested to hear from people with one or more of the following areas of experience: financial management; social investment and/or investment; working in the voluntary sector; Equity Diversity and Inclusion; systems change. You will be willing to apply your skills and experience in regular Trustee meetings, share your insights, be willing to learn from those we work with as well as make a creative contribution as a Trustee. All Trustees work closely with the Foundation’s staff to achieve our objectives and you will need to commit on average one day a month to the Foundation’s business.

We wish to add to the Board from a wide pool of applicants and welcome people of colour, disabled people and those from a working-class background or with experience of poverty or any other disadvantage.

We are seeking diversity of perspective, background, physical abilities, ethnicities and class background and welcome applicants from all age groups and all nations in the UK.

For more information and how to apply please visit our website.

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee of  Friends Provident Foundation but anticipate barriers to your participation, we would still like to hear from you. Please get in touch with us to discuss your situation.

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 23 July, 9am

About Us:

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.

Volunteer Role:

As an Action Team Volunteer, you will play a vital role in assisting with our fundraising activities throughout the year, from fun runs, festivals and supermarket collections to special events. By sharing your skills and time, you’ll meet new people as part of a friendly team that makes a difference in the community and have a rewarding experience helping spread awareness of Orpheus and the importance of the funds our supporters raise.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers who are friendly, have buckets of enthusiasm, have good communications skills and able to work as part of a team. If you are reliable and flexible, then we would love to hear from you. If you would like to get involved with the work we do at Orpheus but want to volunteer in a flexible way, then this is the role for you. 

What will you be doing?

· Cheering, marshalling, collecting money or providing practical support in other ways at our events, such as setting up stalls, selling merchandise and raffle tickets to car park attendants

· Other ad hoc activities that arise on the day

Why volunteer:

Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose and help our learners reach their potential.

If you are someone who is reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping, as well as being kind and caring, then this could be the role for you.

You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.

Training:

Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.

On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.

Benefits/What you’ll get:

· Experience of volunteering in an education setting.

· Working within a team as well as independently.

· The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.

· Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.

· Gain experience in the charity sector.

· Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on-site events at Orpheus.

· Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.

· Discounted lunches.

· Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.

Safeguarding:

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

Equality & Diversity:

· To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

· To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.

· Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.

· To treat everyone respectfully.

Application Process:

Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.

Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.

You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for safe, confident drivers to join our busy, friendly delivery team. 

We re-distribute tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester. This is an achievement of which we’re proud, and want to expand and is why we need your driving and delivery skills to support our growing operation, especially in these current times of increased need.

Key responsibilities

Driving a van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the various Community Food Members we support. 
Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

As a Delivery Driver at FareShare, you will be driving a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonnes Mercedes Sprinter van; working closely with a Driver’s Assistant to re-distribute food orders to the premises of a wide variety of Community Food Members. You will be involved with loading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are as follows. You should:

Be aged 25 or over, with a clean driver's licence (or a maximum of 3 points).
(Experience of driving a van is desirable though not essential).

Have an interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values.

Be physically fit to take on moving and handling of food orders.

Possess the ability to follow procedures and instructions.

Have good verbal communication skills.

Have a high respect for Health & Safety standards and procedures.

Be reliable and be able to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts.

In return you will gain:

Career, CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Driver 4 hour shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We especially welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

Finance Volunteer

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

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

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

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

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

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Please apply online

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

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

Join Our Mission to Transform Communities: Become a Trustee with RideWise – with Fundraising specialism!

Are you passionate about creating sustainable communities? Do you have a knack for fundraising and a desire to make a tangible impact? RideWise, a leading charity dedicated to promoting active travel, is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Fundraising Trustee to join our Board!

About Us

At RideWise, we believe in the power of active travel to transform lives and communities. We work tirelessly to promote walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation, helping people lead healthier, happier, and more sustainable lives. Our innovative programs and initiatives are making a real difference, and we're looking for a fundraising expert to help us take our impact to the next level.

The Role:

As our Fundraising Trustee, you will play a role in shaping the future of RideWise as the charity:

- Develops and Implement Fundraising Strategies

- Collaborates with fellow Trustees and the management team to develop long-term plans that align with our mission and goals.

- Champions Our Cause: Act as an ambassador for RideWise, representing our charity to raise awareness and funds.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual who:

- Has Fundraising Experience

- Is a Strategic Thinker

- Is a Strong Communicator

- Is Committed and Enthusiastic

- Can attend a minimum of 4 virtual meetings per year

 What’s In It for You?

- Make a Real Impact: Your expertise and efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of RideWise, helping us to improve lives and communities.

- Professional Growth: Gain valuable experience and skills in governance, strategic planning, and the charity sector.

- Join a Passionate Team: Work alongside a dedicated group of Trustees and staff who share your commitment to sustainability and active travel.

How to Apply

If you are ready to use your fundraising skills to make a difference, we would love to hear from you! Together, we can create healthier, happier, and more sustainable communities through active travel. Join RideWise today and help us drive change!

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste.  This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm (or outside of these hours only by arrangement). We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road).

Ministries Committee - The Methodist Church in Great Britain

From 1 September 2024

Are you a member of the Methodist Church in Britain seeking to use your skills, expertise and gifts in a new way? Could you make a significant contribution to an important and hard-working body in the Methodist Church?

We are seeking new members of the Ministries Committee to start 1 September 2024, initially for a term of three years, renewable for a further 3 years if desired.

This is a well-established committee which will report to the new Connexional Council, which from September 2024 will be the trustee body of the Methodist Church in Great Britain. The Committee is charged with responsibility to keep in constant review the life of the Methodist Church as it relates to Ministries, to reflect strategically and review ministries related work that will enable the work of the Church to be more effective, and to review the formational and support needs of those who exercise ministry on behalf of the Church.  Working collaboratively with other committee members and with the Mission Committee and Resourcing Committee, you will bring a range of circuit experiences or other experiences of the Methodist Church to the work of the Ministries Committee.

Expressions of interest are invited from both lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. You are encouraged to apply if you feel that overall your skills and experience meet the person specification requirements. You will have some experience of serving on a church body and some experience or interest in cross-cultural ministry, stationing or training.

Expressions of interest from people from ethnic minorities are especially welcome as they are currently under represented on the Committee. All applications will be assessed on merit.

If you would like to speak to someone about this role then please contacat us.

Deadline for applications:  31 July 2024

Interviews will be held on: Thursday 29 August and Friday 30 August 2024

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by providing transport assistance to local volunteer groups and teams. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisation and time management skills
• Knowledge of the local community
• A current driver’s licence
• Either access to a vehicle or happy to drive a Cats Protection van (subject to availabilty)
• The ability to carry out some heavy lifting

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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 wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?

What we offer you

• Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.

• Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses  – up to £5.80 for travel and up to £3 for lunch, upon completion of a 4 hour shift. (We can also provide you with lunch if you don't bring your own).

• A reference after 2 months with us.

• An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives to both the community and the environment.

As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us by manufacturers and retailers and redistribute it to people in need across the city region. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming. 

We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not aiming for employment, volunteering with is is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make new friends, keep physically active and 

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food delivered to our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups, (who we call Community Food Members).

It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity.

b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.

c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.

d) Wanting to make new friends.

e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.

Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You’ll also assist customers when they come to pick up their orders.

• Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.

• Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.

• Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.

• Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections. 

• Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards. 

• Helping with cleaning and other tasks as identified by warehouse staff.

Person Specification 

• Must be physically fit to carry out tasks including lifting and loading.

• Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 

• Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.

• Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.

• Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.

• Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.

Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

We are looking for a Key-Holder volunteer to help us out on Sundays, with availability to occasionaly help during the week (when pre-agreed).

Key duties

Our Key Volunteers are shop volunteers who have additional responsibilities. This is a varied and responsible role where you’ll be provided with training that will equip you to support the Shop Manager and Assistant with the day to day running of the shop, including: 

• Provide a warm, friendly welcome to customers.
• Provide great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience, support other volunteers to do the same.
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public. 
• Processing sales and serving on the till.
• Open and close the shop when necessary to support the Shop Manager.
• Cash up the till at the end of the day.
• Support with sorting donations and price stock, keeping the shop stocked up, clean and tidy.
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives.
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community.
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers. 
• Following health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone.

Skills & qualities

• A leader, able to motivate others and get them involved to achieve great results.
• A team player who is good with people and enjoys interacting with the public.
• Passionate about providing great customer service; friendly and helpful. 
• Enthusiastic and motivated with a positive attitude.
• Flexible, proactive, reliable and trustworthy.
• Confident with cash handling and have an eye for detail.
• Aware of health and safety issues and happy to follow policies and procedures.
• Respectful of others and their diversity.
• Interested making a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events