Volunteer Roles

The Printing Charity is an occupational charity, founded in 1827, focused on providing scalable, agile and sustainable services that support the needs of people who work or have worked in the print, paper, packaging and graphics sectors.

To continue to provide relevant services and support now and in the future, The Printing Charity has invested in a renewed focus on the charity’s welfare activities which include financial assistance grants, support to residents at two sheltered homes, and the management and development of its outsourced 24/7 helpline, introduced in 2019, and now available to 29,000 people working in 340+ companies in the sectors it supports. 

The Printing Charity
Trustee
Unremunerated
Hybrid – meetings held online and in London

This is an exciting time to join The Printing Charity as we review the integration, development, delivery and growth of our key welfare and wellbeing services, to ensure they are fit to support our community, now and in the future. We will be driving forward a programme that looks at the growth of our services, maintaining quality, good safeguarding practice and impact.

The Trustee will bring knowledge and experience of welfare programmes and services, providing support and expertise to the charity as it develops its long-term welfare and wellbeing strategy.

We are seeking those with the following skills areas:

• Senior-level experience in service delivery for social care, health, or safeguarding in large organisations
• Knowledge of current developments in mental health and welfare services
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

The Printing Charity is committed to ensuring that principles of equality, diversity and inclusion underpin our approach to our governance, activities, staff and beneficiaries. We know that equality, diversity and inclusion strengthen the work that we do and lead to better outcomes for our beneficiaries, and greater societal impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and from all sections of the community to apply for this role.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 
Wednesday 2nd October 2024

Interviews with Prospectus:
9th – 16th October 2024

Interviews with The Printing Charity:
w/c 21st or 28th October 2024

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Hayley Sheldon at Prospectus.

New Horizons are looking for a new Treasurer to join their dedicated and friendly Board of Trustees.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional to join a committed and experienced team. We are a small charity which makes a meaningful contribution to the community.

Being a trustee is also a chance for you to give something back to your community, by using your skills and experience, you will be contributing to the strategic management of the charity, so we can continue providing activities which promote good mental health, whilst challenging the stigma around mental health issues and helping improve our services for the benefit of the residents of Cwm Taf Morgannwg.

Role Summary

Your role is paramount for the sustainability of our charity. You will support our charity’s financial management and thus help us make well informed decisions and plan accordingly, so we can effectively tackle the different challenges we face as a small organisation.

The Treasurer will help trustees to carry out their financial responsibilities and this involves working with the Director and Chair to -

• present financial reports to the board in a format that helps the board understand the charity’s financial position
• advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
• work with professional advisors including the accountant
• work with the Director, Chair and accountant to oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts
• work with the Director to help prepare budgets and financial reports.

Who are we looking for?

• Demonstrated financial/commercial awareness and knowledge
• Good communication and leadership skills
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement
• Competent use of IT skills
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Strong interest in mental health issues
• Senior strategic management and leadership experience

Desirable:

• Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
• An understanding of the UK charity sector, relevant legislations and statutory requirements.

Time commitment

Up to 5 hours a month. The Board meet every other month.The Treasurer would ideally step in as Chair of the Funding & Business Planning sub group which also meets bimonthly.

Young Enterprise’s Team Programme is an enterprise journey for students who have mild to moderate learning difficulties. Designed to aid young people’s transition from education into independent living and employment, the programme develops confidence and life skills through working as a team to set up and run an enterprise.

This hands-on and highly impactful role involves mentoring and encouraging students with learning disabilities and other complex needs to face the challenges of running a business, and learn critical life skills, in a safe space.

Team Programme Volunteers are primarily based within schools/ colleges supporting a group of students with learning disabilities. They will volunteer alongside school staff to ensure the young people are able to flourish. Young people particularly value volunteers who can attend in person as this support their learning and development of social skills.

The time commitment can be variable depending on the particular needs of the group. At most this will involve around one hour per week, attending weekly company meetings throughout the school academic year, however in some cases may be less frequent than this.

What you will be doing

• Coaching, mentoring, and positively supporting young people with learning disabilities and autism through their business adventure
• Attending regular company meetings within the school environment
• Liaising closely with the lead teacher to achieve the best outcomes for young people

The skills you need

• Patient, encouraging and open-minded
• Open to learning new things, to challenge and in turn be challenged
• Comfortable in the presence of young people with learning disabilities (but no specific experience is necessary)
• Able to commit to attending regular face to face student company meetings within a school . Continuity for this group of young people is particularly important
• Able to communicate clearly and directly with young people with learning disabilities, who may also have communication difficulties
• A creative thinker, able to support young people experiencing additional barriers to overcome challenges

What's in it for you

• Satisfaction of supporting young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills and achieve their potential
• Develop your professional skills in mentoring, facilitation and communication
• Volunteering alongside a group of young people will challenge you to think differently and approach problems from a new perspective

Role of a Home-Start Trustee

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer regular support, befriending and practical help to families with young children who are under stress in their own homes, helping to prevent family crisis or breakdown. Trustees collectively oversee the work of the organisation and are legally responsible for all aspects of its operations.

Within the Board, individual Trustees have specific roles that enable them to use their individual skills and experience to lead in particular activities. Each role has specific responsibilities that a Trustee will lead on to enable the Board as a whole to operate more effectively. 

Home-Start Barnet (HSB) Trustees give a high level of commitment and reliability in their roles and work very closely with the staff team to enable HSB to deliver a high quality and well-respected service. Trustees are empowered to make well informed decisions through training and reporting systems. 

What do Home-Start Trustees do? 

Trustees work collectively, to hold HSB in trust for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Attending quarterly Board meetings and any additional sub-committee meetings to keep informed and plan an active role in decision making for Home-Start Barnet
• Providing leadership and direction for the charity within the ethos and values of HSB 
• Ensuring that the charity has a clear mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these 
• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard 
• Being responsible for the effective performance and management of the charity 
• Ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, the objects of the charity, the governing documents and quality standards 
• Undertaking an ambassadorial role for Home-Start
• Attending ongoing support and training sessions as necessary to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the role

What are the responsibilities of a Home-Start Trustee? 

Home-Start asks all Trustees to commit to the Home-Start ethos and to understand and implement relevant Home-Start’s policies which will be explained at the Trustee induction.

Trustees work collectively to: 

• Set the strategy and undertake the strategic management of the charity
• Ensure that the charity pursues its objects as defined in the governing documents 
• Ensure the charity accounts for its activities to its funders, the relevant Charity Regulators, its members, the local community and others 
• Ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Ensure the financial stability of the charity 
• Ensure proper accounting records are kept 
• Ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Ensure that the major risks to which the charity is exposed are reviewed annually and managed
• Ensure the organisation has appropriate risk assessment procedures in place and appropriately mitigates against perceived risks 
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity 
• Approve the charity’s policies 
• Ensure the charity fulfils its responsibilities as a good employer and is an effective manager and supervisor of staff and volunteers 
• Ensure the charity is appropriately insured 
• Protect and manage the property of the charity 
• Monitor and evaluate the work of the charity and to contribute to quality assurance self-assessments and reviews 
• Safeguard the good name and ethos of Home-Start Barnet

What Duties are involved in being a Trustee?

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Scrutinising board papers in advance of meetings
• Approving the strategic plan annually and monitoring progress against it 
• Determining and approving the annual budget and monitoring progress against it 
• Preparing and approving the annual report and accounts 
• Ensuring compliance with the Home-Start Agreement and Quality Assurance system
• Acting within the spirit and in accordance with Home-Start’s equality of opportunity and diversity policies and procedures 
• Signing acceptance and understanding of the Home-Start Safeguarding/Child Protection Code of Conduct annually

Individually to:

• Regularly attend Board meetings 
• Play an active part in the trustees’ meetings and deliberations 
• Exercising due care and attention and using reasonable skill in dealing with the charity’s affairs 
• Use own skills, knowledge and experience to help the trustees reach sound decisions 
• Avoid any conflict of interests and declare areas where they may arise
• Reflect annually on the board’s performance and your own performance as a trustee
• Take part in Quality Assurance self-assessments and reviews 
• Ensure that major decisions and policies are made by trustees acting collectively
• Work within the organisations policies and procedures

What is the time commitment? 

• Attendance of quarterly Board meetings held at HSB offices
• Attendance at the Annual General Meeting
• Attendance of any sub-committee meetings for any additional work taken on
• Attendance of training when required
• Work at home to deliver the requirements of the role (estimate 3 hours a month)

What will Home-Start do for me? 

In return for your hard work and commitment, you will receive: 

• Excellent preparation for your role, through the induction programme course 
• Information required for you to fulfil the role appropriately
• Opportunities for self-development and ongoing training
• Social events and the opportunity to get more involved in the charity if you would like (e.g., fundraising, promotional events) 
• The opportunity to be involved in a vital local service and to be part of a national network 

This is exciting and rewarding work which requires energy, commitment, reliability, creativity and a sense of humour.

Person Specification

Essential

• Time to commit to meetings, preparation and additional tasks to fulfil the role of Trustee
• Understanding of and commitment to Home Start Barnet’s work and ethos
• Reliability
• Have a positive, non-judgmental attitude to working with people of any gender, family status or sexual identity, or who are from any ethnic origin, culture, or religion, or who may have a disability 
• Have a clear understanding of the confidential nature of the service and safeguarding in the context of family support
• Have good communication skills including an ability to listen 
• Have a warm and open personality and a sense of humour 
• Be able to work as a member of a team 
• Be prepared to attend any training needed to deliver the role. 

Training can be provided if there is no prior knowledge or experience of the following:

• Understanding of the Legal responsibilities of a Trustee
• Understanding of effective charitable Governance

Desirable

• Local knowledge
• Knowledge and experience relevant to the operations of Home-Start Barnet
• Role specific experience to inform an aspect of the Board of Trustee’s responsibilities

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

Shannon Trust Volunteer Network - Community Reading and Numeracy Coach

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?  

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team. 

We are looking for a volunteer to provide one-to-one reading and numeracy support to learners in the community.  

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning.   As a community reading and numeracy coach your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our learners in the community. This will include providing one-to-one support to learners to help them to improve their reading and numeracy through the delivery of Turning Pages and Count Me In sessions, as well as supporting the development of our programme within partner services.  You may be volunteering one-to-one with learners, or as part of a small team with other volunteers/ staff.

Volunteer benefits include: induction training and ongoing training, support and development in the role, flexible working, recognition for your contribution and reimbursement of expenses where applicable. 

The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to be a part of the organisation.

We welcome volunteer applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.

If you're looking for a chance to join a close-knit board and executive team, where you can play an active role in grant allocation and help shape the charity’s strategic direction, this position could be perfect for you.

• Location: Meetings held in Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon or Wiltshire
• Time commitment: The equivalent of up to a day a month
• Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 21st October

Who we are.

The National Benevolent Charity is a grantmaker. We make grants to individuals experiencing poverty and to organisations aiming to relieve poverty.

We are one of only a handful of benevolent charities to which people experiencing poverty can apply directly from anywhere in the UK. Our applicants include refugees, women escaping domestic abuse, people from the travelling community, working families on low incomes, care leavers and pensioners.

Our grants to organisations focused on Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon, and Bristol. Our successful applicants include food banks, housing and homeless shelters, women’s refuges, and money advice organisations.

We ensure our grants are used to help people survive and thrive, live in reasonable comfort, and improve their physical and psychological well-being by providing home essentials, financial, emotional, and practical support, advice, and training.

We collaborate with other funders and referral agencies to offer the widest support possible and aim to be inclusive and equitable in our grant giving. In 2023, we awarded grants to 729  individuals and 42 organisations.

The charity employs three staff members, led by the Chief Executive, Ali Russell. Total income and endowments for the year ending 31 December 2023 were £ 867,742, with expenditures £1,108,271. Assets are just under £24m.

About the role.

To complement the skills and experience of the existing Trustees, we are looking for a new board member with expertise in finance. This board member will be a qualified accountant and hold a senior strategic leadership position as our new Finance and Investment Committee Chair. They will need to attend all Full Board and all Finance Committee meetings.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board and demonstrate the following personal skills and qualities.

• They must be willing and able to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Be able to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Be an effective communicator who is willing to participate actively in discussions.
• Have a strong personal commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Have enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Be willing to practice our values of collaboration, compassion, and openness.

This board member will Chair the Finance and Investment Committee and will be responsible for ensuring investments and assets are maximised professionally and ethically by:

• Having oversight of the charity’s Investment Managers.
• Ensuring robust and comprehensive investment policies are in place and being implemented.
• Assisting in the presentation of investments to the Board of Trustees.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Oversight of the Management Accounts and Budget setting.

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 21st October.

Trustee Board Vacancy

We are seeking a new trustee to join a friendly and enthusiastic board. As a students’ union we exist to make the lives of our 16,000 students’ better whilst at University. We have a broad and diverse membership of students spread across Oxfordshire and internationally making this an exciting challenge.

We are a registered, incorporated charitable company with an annual income of around £1.5m. The majority of our funding comes from an unrestricted grant from our parent institution, Oxford Brookes University. Being a membership organisation means that we are governed by our members, who determine our policy and lead the organisation. Every student who enrols at Oxford Brookes University is automatically a member of the union, meaning that our membership is both diverse, and constantly changing.

Like any charity, the key to our success is strong governance. What makes students’ unions unique is that we actively centre the lived-experience of our members at all levels of the organisation including the Trustee Board. Our Trustee Board is constituted of both students and external trustees, and four of the student trustees are elected annually by the membership to lead the organisation as employees. Brookes Union also has a small staff team of around 18 members of staff, who work to facilitate the officers in achieving their goals and supporting students through community building and representation activity.

Our Board usually meets in person quarterly (3-5pm on a Thursday, in Oxford) with online sub-committee meetings at different intervals. We also love it when trustees get more involved in the organisation - attending our awards ceremonies or just getting stuck in.

Being a member of a trustee board can be a hugely rewarding opportunity, and we are looking for people who are passionate about developing and supporting young people. Like other volunteer roles, you will get out of this experience what you put in, so we welcome applications from people who are able to give us their time and in return we offer:

• Broadening your understanding of organisational management including risk, finances, strategy, HR
• Building your professional and personal network
• Supporting a high-impact organisation which develops the lives of young people - our young trustees are inspiring and unlike any you will meet elsewhere.
• Access to specialist training and development

We understand that people join Boards for all sorts of reasons and we are more than happy to support you on your journey, and make sure that we work together to get the most out of your time with us.

About You:

Following a skills audit we are looking for a trustee with a strong background in equality, diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do - both with our employees and with our members.

Our People & Culture plan is underpinned by a Positive Psychology approach - we strive to be a positive work environment; we are a high-performing, inclusive organisation, delivering impactful results for our members.

We’ve done loads of excellent work on building a positive work environment and our next step is to master inclusion through equitable practice. The perfect candidate will have experience of strategic EDI change.

The Board membership changes every year as our elected student members are replaced, so we are looking for trustees who anticipate being able to remain actively engaged with the Board throughout the entirety of the advertised term. Our student trustees tend to have little to no previous experience at Board level, so we are looking for trustees who are able to coach and mentor these Board members whilst also discharging their own duties. Some experience of being a trustee is preferred.

However, we’re also very happy to hear from anyone who is interested in joining our Board - your motivation for joining and passion for leading with impact is equally as important as your skills and experience.

Trustee roles are unremunerated, though we can pay reasonable expenses as well as provide an induction and training programme. We are dedicated to ensuring that our Board meetings are inclusive and would be very happy to discuss any accessibility arrangements that would better suit the right candidate.

The London Canal Museum is an independent and self-financing museum in London’s vibrant Kings Cross area, and we are currently looking for two additional Trustees to join our Council of Management.

In particular, we are seeking Trustees with experience in General Management, Education and PR/Publicity.

What will you be doing

· Be part of the Museum’s management team, running the museum as a business, and formulating and implementing plans for the future as a member of the Council of Management

· Hands-on participation in your specific area of expertise, delivering results that matter

· Working with the other Trustees, our team of volunteers, the Training & Recruitment Manager, and the Learning Manager to better improve the museum’s operation and delivery of visitor experience

· The museum has experienced a highly successful bounce-back from Covid, with higher than prior visitor numbers, and thus has a continual growth and improved financial sustainability agenda – in particular, the success of our new co-owned canal boat’s Regent’s Canal guided trips means the museum is busier than ever

What are we looking for

· A self-starter, hands-on in your specific area of expertise, and able to turn your hand to other tasks

· Enthusiasm to contribute and work as part of the team, and as a valuable member of the Committee of Management

· Commitment of sufficient time dedicated to the role

We would welcome particular skills, including but not limited to the following, and applicants with knowledge or experience in one or more these areas are desirable :

• General Management in a commercial organisation

• Visitor attraction management

• Facilities Management experience

• PR / Publicity background

• Education (in schools or museums)

• Museum collection & curation, exhibition management

An interest in canals/waterways and London industrial history is very welcome but by no means essential

What difference will you make

· As a member of the committee of management, contribute directly to effectively and efficiently improve the running of the museum, bringing new skills to the table

· Enable the museum to meet the challenges of continues growth and the long-term future

· Help ensure the future of the museum’s development and sustainability

What benefit does the new Trustee get

· Learn about the history of London’s canals, the people who lived and worked on them, and their place in the industrial revolution, as well as the ice trade and the unique history of our building

· Be part of the operation and future planning for an important self-funded independent museum

· Meeting new people – you will be a part of a community of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds

· Build your experience of working in museums, heritage and visitor engagement

· Regular opportunities to participate in social events including our summer boat trip, museum events, reciprocal visits to other museums, and volunteer discounts, etc.

Are you passionate about making a difference? We're looking for a dedicated Honorary Treasurer to oversee the financial well-being of our charity.

The Honorary Treasurer will monitor the financial standing of the charity and support the Board in the review of all financial matters and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources.

They will Chair the Finance & Resources Sub-committee and feed into the charity’s financial risk-management process, reporting financial health to the Board of trustees at regular intervals. They will also advise on fundraising, income, and development of unrestricted funds of the charity.

The Treasurer will act as a counter signatory on payments and applications to funders, and work with the Accountants and Executive Team to ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.

They will provide input to ensure the organisation’s finances are responsibly managed and invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves

Qualities of a Treasurer

Essential

• Qualified accountant
• Knowledge of charity SORP
• Competent use of IT skills
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Good communication and leadership skills

Desirable

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of charity fundraising and finance practices
• Committed to our cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies
• Skills and experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g. strategic planning, business management, financial/accountancy, understanding of HR issues, experience of Trusts or other grant giving bodies particularly fundraising and legal knowledge
• A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management

Time commitment and location

• Currently the Board meets at least six times a year and the Treasurer is expected to be available at key points in the accounting cycle
• Board meetings are every 2 months (2-3 hours approx. per meeting)
• You will chair the Finance & Resources sub-committee which meet at least quarterly, online (1-2 hours approx. per meeting)
• Ideally meetings will take place in person although online and hybrid options are available

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

London Canal Museum is seeking volunteers to help maintain and innovate the museum’s publicity and marketing activities.

The museum is active on Time Out, London Planner, various Newsletters, What’s On websites, travel blogs, etc – as well as social media, but lacks a dedicated resources to keep these communications up-to-date and pro-active.

The objective is to ensure What’s-On sites and tourism publications, local organisations, bloggers, press and the general public are kept aware of what’s happening  at the museum, and of course, with the aim to sustain and increase visitor numbers throughout the year.

In addition, the museum would like to research the ‘blogosphere’ to create a new contact lists and grow relationships with influencers in the travel/entertainment and ‘things to do in London’ sector.

Applicants are welcome from prospective volunteers with a sales, publicity, PR or marketing background who are either self-starting or work efficiently and effectively under direction.

Experience in consumer-facing or entertainment/cultural/visitor attraction businesses is preferred, but not essential. A working knowledge of Canva would also be an advantage.

Task requirements will likely be variable, but the equivalent of 1-2 days per month availability would be ideal – typically remotely, but with occasional visits and meetings as required at the museum. Initial engagement with the role and familiarisation with the museum and its objectives will be done at the museum.

The London Canal Museum is dedicated to educating and inspiring our visitors with the history of London’s canals – how they’ve shaped London’s development, the ordinary people that lived and worked on them, as well as the entrepreneurs, engineers and navvies who built them. We want to pass on the heritage of the canals so that future generations can learn about their impact on London’s industrial and social past, as well as today’s leisure activities and waterways infrastructure and environment. We also encourage engagement with curious minds who might otherwise have no particular canal-specific interests.

The museum’s newly acquired trip boat ‘Long Tom’ also operates guided trips on the Regent’s Canal and through the historic Islington Tunnel, widening our appeal to the general leisure market.

As a volunteer run organisation we rely on a dedicated team of volunteers to manage all areas of the museum where you will learn about the history of London’s canals, the people who lived and worked on them, and their place in the industrial revolution and London’s history, as well as the Victorian ice trade and the unique history of our building.

You will gain experience of working in museums, heritage and visitor engagement – and the chance to build your own campaigns and marketing relationships.

You will be a part of a community of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, with regular opportunities to participate in social events including our summer boat trip, museum events, reciprocal visits to other museums, volunteer discounts, etc.

Oxfam's Lytham Shop is looking for Shop Volunteers to help Oxfam’s fight to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We’re looking for volunteers who can give 4-8 hours (or more!) of their time in the shop each week, and we’re excited to welcome brand new volunteers to our stores!

Right now, we're looking for people to help out in the shop/on the till on Tuesdays through Fridays - but we do have volunteering opportunities every day of the week!

Location: 45 Clifton Street, Lytham, FY8 5ER

Become a volunteer!

We like to give volunteers an opportunity to try a range of areas before they find something that suits them. You might become a Shop Volunteer, Bookshop Volunteer or Music Shop Volunteer. Or, you might find yourself in a more specialist role such as a Social Media Volunteer, Online Shop Volunteer, Admin/Finance Support Volunteer, or even a Lead Volunteer.

Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…

Why be a volunteer?

Your time will make a huge difference. We estimate one four-hour shift will, on average, provide enough income to enable Oxfam to provide life-saving handwashing facilities for 81 people.

Volunteering also has a positive impact on wellbeing, with an incredible 7 in 10 volunteers saying that their charitable actions were beneficial for their mental health.

Benefits of becoming a Volunteer:

· Gain genuine experience working in a retail environment.

· Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, and develop your CV.

· Great way to meet new people & be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.

· Be part of a fantastic team and make a positive change to the world.

· Opportunity to utilise and develop your transferable skills.

Volunteering with Oxfam will give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to build your CV and boost your employability. Problem solving, communication, working with others and familiarity with the workplace are universally valued by employers.

No experience is necessary as full training and an induction will be given. You don't need to be computer literate to join our team; there are volunteer opportunities for all. All we ask is that you’re happy to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

We can be flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have.

Tempted? Apply now!

Oxfam reimburses Volunteer expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy: local, reasonable travel expenses, & lunch (if volunteering over 5 hours).

· We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.

· Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

· *NB: due to the current capacity of some shops, it may be that you will be placed on a waiting list and/or, if you are under 18, until a shop has enough staff and/or volunteers DBS cleared. The Shop Manager will discuss this with you.

We're seeking a passionate volunteer to help create engaging content for our digital channels and build relationships with organisations, bloggers and others. If you have a knack for storytelling, a love for history and museums, and a strong understanding of social media, we'd love to hear from you!

Ideal candidates will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a proficiency in photography and videography, and experience using design tools like Canva. Your ability to craft captivating narratives and bring our museum's stories to life through digital platforms will be invaluable.

What are we looking for?

Applicants are welcome from prospective volunteers with a background in social media, or wider marketing fields, filming and/or photography, design, or PR. You’ll need the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

If you don’t have all of the skills outlined above but feel this would be a great way for you to develop, we’d still love to hear from you.

What difference will you make?

As a volunteer run organisation, we rely on a dedicated team of volunteers to manage and run the museum. By joining us you’ll become part of an important team responsible for preserving an important part of our history.