Volunteer Roles

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.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• 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 new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

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.

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee Treasurer for the board.

What will you be doing?

About Been There

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

About the role

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee and Secretary of the board. Alongside relevant experience, you will also possess an ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritising multiple tasks, and will be a natural team player with excellent written and spoken English.

Main Responsibilities

● Financial Oversight: Oversee and present budgets, accounts, and financial statements to the board in a clear and understandable manner.

● Strategic Financial Planning: Work with the board to ensure that financial strategies and decisions are fully integrated into the strategic plans of the charity.

● Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity's assets. Monitor and manage financial risk.

● Statutory Reporting: Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and statutory financial reporting requirements.

● Audit and Financial Analysis: Lead in the appointment and liaison with auditors, and provide insightful analysis on financial reports and audits.

● Budgeting and Forecasting: Oversee the development and review of the charity's annual budget and financial forecasts.

● Fundraising Support: Play an active role in guiding and supporting the charity's fundraising efforts, ensuring financial goals are met and resources are secured for future sustainability.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with any body image issues and related mental health concerns. Experience, skills and expertise in charity law, an interest in the well-being of people combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

● Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, with a strong understanding of charity finance and governance.

● Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly desirable.

● Skills: Excellent financial and analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.

● Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed.

● Ethics: A commitment to the values and mission of Been There, with a passion for making a difference in the community.

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity for people struggling with their mental health relating to body image. 

The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team and your support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our beneficiaries.

Are you passionate about mental health and helping those struggling with body image issues and related disorders? Been There, a start-up mental health charity, is currently seeking a safeguarding trustee to join our dedicated team.

What will you be doing?

Job Summary:

As a safeguarding trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our service users. You will work closely with our staff and volunteers to implement safeguarding policies and procedures, provide guidance and support, and help to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic

• Consider the organisation’s strategic plans and make sure they reflect safeguarding legislation and expectations of the Charities Commission.
• Work with the CEO and DSL regularly to review and ensure charity policies are creating a safer culture and keeping people safe.
• Check the organisation’s risk register reflects safeguarding risks properly and plans sensible measures to take.
• Make sure there is space on the agenda for safeguarding reports and help trustees understand and challenge those reports.

Effective policy and practice

• Make sure there is a 6 monthly review of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Understand the monitoring your charity does to see whether policies and procedures are effective.
• Learn from case reviews locally and nationally, to improve your organisation’s policies/procedures.
• Oversee safeguarding allegations against staff or volunteers, together with CEO and DSL.
• Be a point of contact for staff or volunteers if someone wishes to complain about a lack of action in relation to safeguarding concerns.

Creating the right culture

• Champion safeguarding throughout the organisation.
• Attend relevant safeguarding training events (virtually)
• Support the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding.
• Support regular safeguarding updates for staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
• Make sure you have ways of gathering the views of staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding and sharing these with the board.

What are we looking for?

• Qualifications and Experience:

- 5+ years experience in safeguarding, ideally within a mental health/charity setting (essential)

- Previous trustee/governance experience is not essential but would be desirable.

- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation/policies/procedures.

- Commitment to promoting positive body image and mental well-being.

- Understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with body image issues and related disorders would be beneficial.

- Skills: Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

- Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team, and your governance support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our service users and team.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Safeguarding Trustee position at Been There Mental Health Charity, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated individual to our team and making a difference in the lives of those we support.

Are you passionate about wildlife and nature? Are you looking for a purpose- driven Trustee role? Do you have a background in HR and an interest in developing people? Unique Trustee role at a leading Swan rescue charity offers the chance to be the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of these beautiful birds, who we rescue, rehabilitate and release back into their natural habitat.

What will you be doing?

As Trustee – HR Lead, you will play a crucial role in developing our most precious and important asset: our people. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity. This role involves engaging with an interesting and varied group of people from many different backgrounds (fellow Trustees, full and part-time site staff and Volunteers).

This is an unpaid Trustee position. We understand the importance of work-life balance and value your time. Your commitment can be tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll be working with a passionate and friendly group of Trustees and while we all work hard, we learn lots and have fun doing it!

About Swan Lifeline

Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas and has cared for over 30,000 sick and injured swans. We are based on the magical Island setting of Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6SS. Our aims are to RESCUE, REHABILITATE and RELEASE injured swans, and we are able to provide shelter and treatment for up to 180 at a time, returning them to the wild as soon as possible.

What are we looking for?

As our As Trustee – HR Lead, you would play a leading role (with input from fellow Trustees) in developing our HR strategy and policies. You would also be responsible for helping us recruit, train, manage and develop our staff (Full-time staff, Trustees and volunteers).

What difference will you make?

As a small charity with currently 3 employees and 20 Volunteers your skills and experience would be an invaluable addition to our board of trustees as we seek to grow and do more. Without the right balance of skilled and dedicated staff and volunteers, we cannot support swans who desperately need our help and face an uncertain future because of the Nature emergency and Avian flu. The team you build and develop will be the driving force behind continuing to sustain Swan Lifeline for the future.

Experience and Skills

We are looking for the following qualities, attributes, skills and experience:

General qualities and attributes

• Passion for animal welfare, and Swan Lifeline’s core mission.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of empathy suitable for personal, informal team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple work streams at any one time.
• Ability to lead independently but be part of a team.

Primary responsibilities of the Trustee – HR Lead

• Build a mid and long-term strategy for people.
• Develop our Volunteer offer and strategy.
• Advise and develop onboarding, training and development strategies.
• Review and update compliant People-related policies and data.
• Stay informed about HR/Charity best practices, and emerging trends.
• Develop an informative induction programme for new Volunteers.
• Working with the Volunteer Manager implement regular Volunteer outreach & satisfaction reviews to assist in long-term retention.
• Develop low-cost but high impact CPD programme for staff.

Trustee responsibilities

• An understanding of trustee legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.
• Safeguarding the reputation of the charity.
• Ensuring financial stability of the charity.
• Ensuring SLL has a long-term strategy to achieve its objectives.
• Ensuring SLL has effective policies and procedures to achieve its goals.
• Actively participate in Trustee meetings and shared workload.
• Comply with charity law, our constitution, and other relevant legislation.
• Use your specific skills and expertise to help good decision making.
• Be an active Board member exercising our responsibilities and functions.

Are you passionate about wildlife and nature? Do you want to gain valuable experience applying your skills in new and innovative ways outside work? Do you have Digital Knowledge and Experience that you’d like to apply as a Digital Leader, honing skills in a charity organisation? Unique Trustee role at a leading Swan rescue charity offers the chance to be the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of these beautiful birds, who we rescue, rehabilitate and release back into their natural habitat.

What will you be doing?

As Trustee – HR Digital, you will play a crucial role in helping Swan Lifeline build future-proofed and integrated digital strategies, initiatives, and skills. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity.

This is an unpaid Trustee position. We understand the importance of work-life balance and value your time. Your commitment can be tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll be working with a passionate and friendly group of Trustees and while we all work hard, we learn lots and have fun doing it!

About Swan Lifeline

Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas and has cared for over 30,000 sick and injured swans. We are based on the magical Island setting of Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6SS. Our aims are to RESCUE, REHABILITATE and RELEASE injured swans, and we are able to provide shelter and treatment for up to 180 at a time, returning them to the wild as soon as possible.

What are we looking for?

As our As Trustee – Digital, you would play a leading role (with input from fellow Trustees) in developing our digital strategy and capabilities, so we can innovate and continue to lead in the future.

What difference will you make?

Your skills and experience would be an invaluable addition to our board of trustees as we seek to grow and do more. Without the right future-proofed digital-enabled strategies and programmes, we may lose our leading role supporting swans who desperately need our help and face an uncertain future because of the Nature emergency and Avian flu.

Experience and Skills

General qualities and attributes

• Passion for animal welfare, and Swan Lifeline’s core mission.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple work streams at any one time.
• Ability to lead independently but be part of a team.
• High levels of empathy in a small, friendly, passionate team.

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Setting Digital Vision and Strategy
• Experience in Digital product development (e.g. websites, apps, ecommerce)
• Expertise in Digital presence, communications and marketing

Primary responsibilities of the Trustee – Digital

• Create Digital Vision, Strategy and Policies for the organisation
• Champion the use of Digital integration across channels, fundraising, marketing and operations.
• Build Digital awareness and literacy among all staff so that they are able to fully engage in identifying Digital opportunities and risks.
• Ensure Swan Lifeline is compliant with Digital security and other regulations, identify any risks and mitigation steps.
• Identify Digital skills needed by Swan lifeline and help develop a volunteer network of digital developers and contributors.
• Understand the current Digital estate (website, intranet, database, email, CRM, supporting computers/hardware/hosting, CCTV) and suggest improvements to meet the Digital strategy.

Trustee responsibilities

• An understanding of trustee legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.
• Safeguarding the reputation of the charity.
• Ensuring financial stability of the charity.
• Ensuring SLL has a long-term strategy to achieve its objectives.
• Ensuring SLL has effective policies and procedures to achieve its goals.
• Actively participate in Trustee meetings and shared workload.
• Comply with charity law, our constitution, and other relevant legislation.
• Use your specific skills and expertise to help good decision making.
• Be an active Board member exercising our responsibilities and functions.

Bid writer wanted to help the Orpington & Bromley Gateway Club and Bromley Learning Disability Alliance to secure funding for a range of amibitious projects across the London Borough of Bromley.

The Orpington & Bromley Gateway Club is a support and social club for adults (16+) with learning disabilities/difficulties.

We currently run two clubs: Tuesday Club in Orpington from 1030-1330 and Friday Club in Bickley from 1830-2100.

This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a team to support the vital work of the Legal Access Department at Care4Calais, responding to the various needs of the hundreds of refugees we support through the difficult process of claiming asylum in the UK.

Our Legal Access Team assists asylum seekers in navigating the UK asylum process by finding them specialist solicitors and working with our volunteer interpreters to help them organise their paperwork.

Our Onward Support Team is critical to this work, ensuring that our clients receive the best standard from the moment they enter our support service, to the moment they leave.

As a member of our Onward Support Team you will be responsible for the long term support of the Legal Access Team's client base, ensuring they have regular check ins, signposting, and all the holistic support they need to succeed at life in the UK. This support includes preparing for interviews, assisting with appointments, emotional support and signposting to local organisations to support integration into the community. 

We are looking for people who have a genuine passion for human rights and refugee protection. If this is you, please get in touch.

Responsibilities 

• Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and manage your time effectively
• Supporting asylum seekers with a range of tasks including onwards referrals, signposting, emotional support
• Supporting Legal Access Team caseworkers to provide wraparound care
• Maintaining and updating client records
• Sorting client paperwork
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
• Maintaining communication with the management team throughout your role, available for regular check-ins to ensure the best service is provided to our clients.
• Liaising with other professionals including local services and Migrant Help

Person Specification

• Organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail. 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
• An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience to cope with this
• Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all time
• Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.

Desirable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to: Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic.

Care4Calais is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment and recognises that this is invaluable to our ability to serve the communities we support. 

We therefore welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds including from Black, Asian and Minority-Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the UK immigration system. 

At the Eco Centre our mission is to empower people to live and work sustainably. We inform, inspire and enable people to take action on climate change and the environment.

What we do

Our focus is on practical help so people can reduce carbon, live sustainably and combat climate change.

We’ve developed an innovative approach to helping people make that transition to sustainable living that has the potential of being scaled up and used nationwide – putting us on the road to zero carbon. We’re working closely with communities to pilot and develop the scheme.

In the next 12 months we planning an events programme to engage inspire the public and businesses, and for collaboration and co-creation for climate action innovation.

The next step will be a regional sustainability hub – a visitor attraction with hands-on activities. A go-to destination, training facility, and events/exhibition space – and a resource base for outreach and schools’ programmes.

How you can help

As Business/Partnership Development Member you’ll take a leading role in identifying new opportunities and forming partnerships that will enhance the scope and scale of our operations, and impact on climate change. A key aim will be the development of a sustainability hub for the South West.

Key information:

Responsible to: The board and membership

Working Location: Generally remote working but the ability to help occasionally at events in the South West is preferable.

Location Requirements: Preferably living or working in the South West. Regulations permit only a limited no. of directors from outside the area of benefit.

Hours: Minimum of 6-8 hours a month. Flexible

Renumeration: None. Voluntary. Expenses only. 

How to apply: Click the Quick Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. Please also submit a cover letter saying why you would like to be a board member and what skills you will bring to our board, operations and plans.

Closing date: 31 July 2023.

Interviews may take place in the week August or September.

Applicants can contact us for an informal discussion.

Please note, we’re actively reviewing applications and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The ad may close early if a successful candidate is found.”

What you’ll be doing

• As a hands-on board member, you’ll:
• Identifying new opportunities and potential partners in all sectors.
• Help develop growth and partnership strategies
• Help us build a business case for investors, partners and supporters.
• Lead on the development of key partnerships (including the statutory sector)
• Identify the communications, operational, strategy and capacity needs required for effective business/partnership development
• Be joining newly enlarged team, steering and developing the Eco Centre, helping it to realise its ambition of a Sustainability Centre for the South West.
• Play an important part in developing strategy and ensuring the organisation is well run and able to deliver, and step up, its impact on climate change and sustainability.
• Be contributing to the day-to day running of the organisation and/or its operations.

What are the requirements?

This unique opportunity is for you if…

• Are experienced in business development or sales in the business and/or charity/voluntary sector.
• Able to demonstrate a background in relationship development.
• Have a background in senior management in the commercial, voluntary and/or statutory sectors.
• You work effectively with others to identify, analyse, and solve problems.
• You can use your experience and knowledge to make considered judgements
• You have a commitment to action on climate change/sustainability.

This position is open to people residing in the UK only.

Chair of Trustees - Strawberry Hill House

Since 2007 The Strawberry Hill Trust has undertaken a major £10 million restoration of Horace Walpole’s iconic gothic villa and gardens in Twickenham. As Chair, you will help the charity meet its growth ambitions and deliver the vision and leadership needed.

Trustee - Neurotastic Board

Neorotastic Board is a new charity, particularly interested in Trustees with a professional background in public health, medical or children’s literature. It is also looking for experience in governance, quality assurance and risk management.

Treasurer - Concordis International

Concordis is respected for its innovative approach to international peacebuilding and works in some of the most challenging parts of the world. It is seeking a Treasurer/Trustee.

Trust Fundraiser - Young People's Trust for the Environmnent

YPTE is a charity that encourages young people’s understanding of the environment. It aims to give young people (and an increasing number of adults) clear and balanced information on a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation and endangered species.  This enables them to make informed decisions about how to live their lives in a way that gives greater priority to the preservation of the natural world.

Appropriate Adult's support children and vulnerable adults when they are detained in police custody. With the Southwark & Lambeth Appropriate Adult Service, you will be trained, supervised and supported to be an Appropriate Adult in Southwark & Lambeth police stations. We are there to ensure vulnerable detainees understand their rights, we safeguard their welfare and effective participation as well as ensuring they are treated fairly during this criminal justice process.

Outline: Organise a team of volunteers to plan and deliver the Squirrels Programme. Empowering young people to learn new skills, make new friends and learn to stand on their own two feet. No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.

Responsible to: Group Scout Leader

Responsible for: Young Leaders whilst they are working in the Section

Main Contacts: Young people and their Parents/Carers, Drey team members, Group Scout Leader, Beaver Leaders, Assistant District Commissioner (Squirrels), Group Treasurer

Appointment Requirements:

• Complete the appointment process (including acceptable personal enquiries and acceptance of the Scout Association's policies).
• It's expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity and require a disclosure check to be completed.
• Within five months of starting the role, complete applicable Getting Started training modules, which cover Essential Information, Safety, Safeguarding and GDPR.
• Continue the Scout training programme to achieve the Wood Badge within three years.
• Renew safeguarding and safety training
• Take part in ongoing learning opportunities.
• It's expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity and require a disclosure check to be completed.

Main Tasks:

Planning and delivering a great Programme

• Deliver a fun, inclusive and age-appropriate programme
• Make sure activities are safe in accordance with Scouts POR (Policy, Organisation and Rules)
• Encourage Squirrels to participate in activities and guide them towards receiving their badges 
• Involve Squirrels with programme planning in an age-appropriate way
• Gather regular feedback from Squirrels about the programme
• Working with the Squirrels and members of the team, deliver a Community Impact project
• Work with Beaver leaders to help Squirrels move-on to the Beaver Colony 

Running the section (Squirrel, Beaver Cubs or Scouts section)

• Encourage parents, carers and other adults to help run the section
• Welcome and guide new members 
• Recruit and support at least one Young Leader to help run the section
• Share and allocate tasks and agree responsibilities with team members. 
• Check in with members of the team regularly to see how things are going
• Keep records of section in accordance with UK Data protection act 2018.
• Maintain good communications with parents/carers of section
• Make sure the section reflects the diversity of the local community

Be a part of the Scout Group

• Attend and contribute to Scout Group leader meetings.
• With support from the Group Treasurer and Group Scout Leader, make sure all financial procedures are followed. 
• On behalf of the section team, attend meetings with other section leaders organised by the Scout District.