382 Safeguarding volunteer volunteer roles

What will you be doing?

As part of the Management team you will be responsible for ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.

This will include carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate and provide an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group and to initiate an annual short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting.

Management team meetings are held typically every six to eight weeks, alternating on line and in person.

What are we looking for?

• Experience of adult safeguarding (desirable but not essential).
• Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
• A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
• Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Reasonable confidence in using IT.
• The ability to use initiative and work independently.
• A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
• A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
• Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role. 

What difference will you make?

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. 

Outline of the Safeguarding Champion role
As the Safeguarding Champion you will ensure that your group implements, understands and works within the Read Easy UK Safeguarding Policy and organising DBS checks when necessary. 

How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other 
groups. 

What you will be doing 
● Reporting and actioning any safeguarding issues raised within the Team.
● Becoming familiar with Read Easy Safeguarding and DBS policies and appendices.
● Liaising with the local Adult Safeguarding Helpdesk, to seek advice or refer a case to them for further action in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
● Providing an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group, using the resources provided.
● Providing a short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting annually.
● Carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate.
● Ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.
● Being the single point of contact for anyone within the group who wants to report any form of abuse or suspected abuse, or who has concerns and needs advice.
● Attending management team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Ideally experience and understanding of adult safeguarding. 
● Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you? 
● Develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the safeguarding of adults
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community

Join our Board of Directors

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to the Board with skills specifically focused on Safeguarding Adults & Children, to support and work alongside the Lead Safeguarding Trustee.

Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives.

Title: Trustee - Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Reporting to: Board of Trustees

Role Type: Volunteer

Location: London

Renumeration: The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.

This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Advance is committed to equality and diversity and aims to have a board of trustees that reflects the communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from women with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, BAME and LBT communities.

About Us

Advance is a women’s organisation, delivering systems change, and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approach and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London. Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.

Our whole-system approach is aligned with our values of collaboration and innovation, partnering with other statutory and non-statutory providers, to deliver a coordinated community and gendered response, improving access to services across the whole system, enabling consistency and continuity of support throughout a woman’s journey. Through our advocacy and awareness-raising work, we focus on systemic change and sustainable impact to meet women’s needs and improve their outcomes.

About you

Do you have expertise in the role described below and a belief that your skills will contribute to the strong and effective governance of an innovative medium-sized charity?

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to our Board with skills specifically focused on Safeguarding Adults & Children.

Alongside the Lead Safeguarding Trustee you will provide independent oversight, expert advise and strategic challenge to ensure the organisation upholds the highest standards in safeguarding our staff and our service users of women, young women and children. The role is central in promoting a safe culture and holding the Executive Team accountable for the effectiveness of safeguarding practices and risk management.

You will bring significant experience in safeguarding leadership, regulation or governance (in education, health, social care or the charity sector). You will have a strong understanding of legal duties and statutory guidance on safeguarding and the ability to provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced and committed Board.

You will join a dedicated and skilled group of Trustees and support the charity through a significant period of growth. Our staff team now includes over 150 skilled and passionate women across our programmes and our 10 women's’ centres in London and the South and East of England.

Time commitment

• Five Board meetings per year (in person in Hammersmith west London), plus membership of at least one board sub-committee (four meetings a year online)

• Ad hoc availability as matters arise (by telephone)

• Participate in one strategy away day each year (on a Saturday, usually held in January)

• Commit to the Board of Trustees for at least three years

• Note - the Chair of the Fundraising, Business Development and Communications Committee will be expected to chair a committee meeting four times a year (online) in addition to the Board meetings

The statutory duties of a trustee

• To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document in the articles of association

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document

• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how charitable and worthwhile those activities are

• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation

• To protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds

• To appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their performance

In addition with other trustees to hold the charity in trust for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that Advance has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these

• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its corporate behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements

• Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application

• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard

As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions. The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

How to Apply
Please download the job specification below and complete the application form along with a copy of your CV.

• Closing date for applications: 04 September 2026

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first round interview w/c 7th September. Following this the successful candidates will be invited to an in person interview in Hammersmith, London.

You can find more information on our website.

To learn more about the role and duties of Trustees, please click here.

We would love to hear from you.

Role description for Safeguarding Champion (Voluntary role)
“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Safeguarding Champion role
As the Safeguarding Champion you will ensure that your group implements, understands and works within the Read Easy UK Safeguarding Policy and organising DBS checks when necessary.
How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional forums and annual conference which give volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.
What you will be doing
● Reporting and actioning any safeguarding issues raised within the Team.
● Becoming familiar with Read Easy Safeguarding and DBS policies and appendices.
● Liaising with the local Adult Safeguarding Helpdesk, to seek advice or refer a case to them for further action in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
● Providing an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group, using the resources provided.
● Providing a short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting annually.
● Carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate.
● Ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.
● Being the single point of contact for anyone within the group who wants to report any form of abuse or suspected abuse, or who has concerns and needs advice.
● Attending management team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Ideally experience and understanding of adult safeguarding.
● Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.
What is in it for you?
● Develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the safeguarding of adults
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community
Interested
If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, please contact the person who sent you this role description.
Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references, and eligibility for Management Team roles in line with Charity Commission regulations for trustees.
Please see the ‘Introduction to Read Easy for potential Management Team volunteers’ to find out more about the structure and responsibilities of the Management Team.
 

Purpose: To provide empathetic, person-centred peer support to AuDHD UK beneficiaries through group sessions and 1:1 interactions, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment in line with the charity’s mission and safeguarding standards.

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Reports to: Peer Support Coordinator/COO

Commitment: Flexible, part-time (details negotiable)

Role: Unpaid volunteer positionpeer

Key Responsibilities

Facilitating Peer Support Group Session/ Community Moderation

• Plan and facilitate group peer support sessions, ensuring all participants feel welcome and included.

• Foster a safe, respectful, and confidential space for sharing experiences and mutual support.

• Adapt session content and approach to meet the needs of participants.

• Contribute to moderating messages from our 24/7 Peer Support Community Platform (hosted on Discord). This is a daily task completed between PSWs.

Safeguarding

• Remain vigilant for safeguarding concerns during all interactions.

• Raise safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Team via completion of an Incident Log. Report any concerns promptly, following AuDHD UK’s safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding policies and best practices.

Additional Duties

• Attend regular check-ins and training sessions with the Peer Support Coordinator.

• Contribute to feedback and improvement processes for the peer support programme.

• Support the wellbeing and development of fellow volunteers by fostering a positive team culture.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Lived experience of AuDHD or similar neurodivergence  (desirable but not essential).

• Empathy, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, and non-judgemental support.

• Ability to manage sensitive situations and recognise when to escalate concerns.

• Reliability, punctuality, and good communication skills.

• Commitment to AuDHD UK’s mission and values.

Time Commitment Estimate

• Running sessions: 1.5 hrs/session per week (including facilitating and possible safeguarding concern admin)

• Applicants should be available for at least one of the following Peer Support Groups: Mon 7-8pm, Tues 11am-12pm, Thurs 2-3pm and Saturday 9-10am. If you are not available for the groups but still wish to apply to be a moderator, you are welcome to. 

Mission Alignment Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate:

• Understanding of AuDHD UK’s core purpose.

• Commitment to volunteer-led service delivery.

• Adherence to safeguarding and ethical guidelines.

VOLUNTEER: Safeguarding & Compliance Lead

Help Keep SUNSHINE Safe, Ethical and Legally Compliant

SUNSHINE Charity is a vibrant, 100% volunteer‑powered start-up movement dedicated to bringing SUNSHINE into people’s lives. We help smash loneliness and social isolation by creating welcoming opportunities to connect, participate, learn, volunteer, make friends and feel like you belong.

• We’re joyful.
• We’re human.
• We’re community-powered.
• And now, we’re looking for a calm, knowledgeable, detail‑focused Safeguarding & Compliance Lead to help ensure SUNSHINE remains safe, ethical and legally compliant as we grow.

If you care deeply about protecting people, promoting good practice and helping a charity operate responsibly — this role is a perfect fit.

Why We Need You

SUNSHINE is expanding into its next chapter, launching programmes, recruiting volunteers and building community spaces across London. To do this safely and responsibly, we need someone who can help us:

• Maintain strong safeguarding practice.

• Ensure legal compliance.

• Promote safe, inclusive and ethical operations.

• Support volunteers with clarity and confidence.

• Embed good practice across the charity.

You’ll be the steady, reassuring presence who helps SUNSHINE stay safe, structured and aligned with UK good practice.

What You’ll Do

As Safeguarding & Compliance Lead, you will:

• Oversee safeguarding good practice across SUNSHINE.

• Support compliance with UK GDPR and data protection.

• Promote safe health & safety practice.

• Help embed Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) principles.

• Maintain and update policies and procedures.

• Provide guidance to volunteers and team leads.

• Respond to occasional urgent queries or concerns.

• Help ensure SUNSHINE operates ethically, safely and responsibly.

You’ll be joining a charity where kindness is a superpower, community is everything, and every volunteer helps bring SUNSHINE into people’s lives.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Calm, structured and detail‑focused.

• Confident with safeguarding, compliance or governance.

• Able to interpret and apply good practice guidance.

• Comfortable supporting volunteers with clarity and reassurance.

• Passionate about protecting people and promoting safe spaces.

• Inspired by SUNSHINE’s mission of positivity, human connection, community and belonging.

Experience in safeguarding, compliance, governance or risk is helpful — but heart, integrity and clarity matter most.

Time Commitment & Availability

This is a flexible operational volunteer role, not a trustee position.

• Around 4 hours per month

• Additional hours only for urgent enquiries or concerns

We’ll work around your life and schedule — we simply need someone reliable who can help keep SUNSHINE safe and compliant.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape a safe, ethical, community-powered charity.

• A joyful, supportive team culture.

• Real impact on people experiencing loneliness.

• New skills, confidence and experience.

• The satisfaction of protecting volunteers and participants.

• The joy of helping SUNSHINE shine safely.

Ready to Help Us Keep SUNSHINE Safe?

If you’re passionate about safeguarding, compliance and helping a charity operate responsibly — we’d love to hear from you.

Join the SUNSHINE movement.

Help us bring connection, community and belonging to London — safely and ethically.

COME SHINE WITH US.

Purpose: To coordinate and deliver high-quality, person-centred clinical and care support for AuDHD UK beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with clinical guidelines, robust risk management, and effective navigation of care, funding, and safeguarding processes.

Location: Remote (UK-based preferred)

Reports to: Care Coordinator

Commitment: Flexible, part-time (details negotiable)

Role: Unpaid volunteer position

This role is subject to an Enhanced Adult DBS check - you must meet our eligibility requirements to be considered (must be a current UK resident and have been for the last 5 years). You must also have your own personal computer/laptop to work from.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Guideline Compliance

• Support the Care Coordinator in implementing and maintaining up-to-date clinical guidelines, ensuring all activities align with best practice.

Beneficiary Safeguarding and Referral

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for beneficiaries, with particular focus on high-risk cases, and ensure all documentation is thorough.

• Risk assess and send initial referral for neurodiversity assessments

High-Risk Cases & Referrals

• Coordinate high-risk cases, working closely with the Care Coordinator to ensure robust safeguarding, timely referrals, and multi-agency collaboration.

Funding Eligibility

• Understand and advise on eligibility for funding and support, including eligibility and risk assessments, and accurate documentation for each applicant.

Care Complaints

• Manage and investigate care-related complaints, following formal procedures and ensuring detailed documentation.

Care Coordination

• Serve as a key point of contact for beneficiaries, families, and professionals, ensuring seamless communication and continuity of care.

• Develop and review personalised care and support plans, adapting to changing needs.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Experience in safeguarding adults, care coordination, case management, or clinical support (NHS, social care, or charity sector preferred).

• Strong risk assessment, safeguarding, and documentation skills.

• Excellent communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage sensitive situations and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Commitment to AuDHD UK’s mission and values.

• Lived experience of AuDHD (desired).

Time Commitment Estimate

• Clinical Care Team Management and guideline compliance: 2-4 hrs/month (availability to join our Key Staff Meeting on Wednesdays at 12pm is desirable)

• Beneficiary risk assessments: 2-5 hrs/week at peak application times

• High-risk cases/referrals: 2–4 hrs/case

• Funding eligibility: approx. 1 hour per case ad hoc

• Care complaints: 2–4 hrs/case (plus 3–5 hrs/case for formal investigations)

The above times are estimates during peak application periods. General expectation approx. 3-5 hours a week

Mission Alignment Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate:

• Understanding of AuDHD UK’s core purpose.

• Commitment to volunteer-led service delivery.

• Adherence to safeguarding and ethical guidelines.

Keytasks include:

· Lead on recruitment activity and selection decisions

· Carry out initial conversations and informal screening

· Coordinate onboarding and inductions

· Allocate tasks 

· Support volunteers day to day

· Build relationships and maintain engagement

· Deliver role-specific training

· Ensure volunteers complete required training

· Address minor issues and provide feedback

· Escalate concerns to HR where needed

· Maintain volunteer records (contact details, availability, hours if needed)

· Act as main point of contact for volunteers

· Conducting 1-1s with volunteers as well as offering informal support

· Raise safeguarding concerns as appropriate using internal processes and procedures

· Maintain confidentiality and follow charity policies and procedures

· Undertake relevant training

Key Objectives Include:

· Ensure that Mast Cell Action has a steady stream of volunteers enabling the charity to achieve its objective goals

· Represent Mast Cell Action professionally at all times, demonstrating strong communication skills, reliability, and adaptability whilst working remotely

Experience/skills required:

· Proven experience as a volunteer manager/coordinator or relevant HR experience

· Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and adapt your communication style to different formats and audiences.

· Patience, empathy and compassion. Openness to support people from all backgrounds

· Reliability and trustworthiness

· Proficiency in CRMs and able to use our bespoke database to maintain accurate volunteer records

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a remote team, demonstrating reliability, flexibility, and professionalism at all times.

Are you passionate about supporting female survivors of sexual violence and committed to making a meaningful difference in your community?

GMRC is seeking compassionate and dedicated Volunteer Qualified Counsellors to join our team. As part of our vision of Building Communities, Supporting Survivors and Creating Change, you'll help provide specialist, trauma-informed support that empowers survivors on their journey towards healing.

What you'll do: 

• Provide one-to-one counselling support to survivors. 

• Create a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. 

• Work within GMRC's values, policies, and ethical framework. 

• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and development.

We are looking for people who: 

• Are qualified counsellors and have some experience working with sexual trauma. 

• Have excellent listening and communication skills. 

• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and professionalism. 

• Share our commitment to challenging sexual violence and supporting survivors. 

What we offer: 

• Specialist training and support. 

• Regular peer support and case management. 

• Opportunities for professional development. 

• The chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of survivors.

Every conversation matters - Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester 

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse. 

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#counselling #counsellor #qualifiedcounsellor

GMRC is looking for Group Support Volunteers to help facilitate safe, welcoming spaces where survivors can share experiences, develop confidence, and access peer support. 

As a Group Support Volunteer, you may: 

• Support facilitators during group sessions. 

• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

• Assist with practical arrangements and administration. 

• Encourage respectful participation and engagement. 

We're looking for people who: 

• Are empathetic, patient, and supportive. 

• Work well as part of a team. 

• Have strong interpersonal skills. 

• Are committed to GMRC's mission and values. 

What you'll gain: 

• Comprehensive training. 

• Ongoing support and supervision. 

• Experience within a leading specialist charity. 

• The opportunity to help create supportive communities for survivors.

Every conversation matters- Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse.

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#groupsupport #group #support #peersupport #inclusivitity

GMRC is recruiting volunteers to support our helpline and wider support services. Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring survivors are listened to, believed, and connected with the help they need. 

Volunteer opportunities include: 

• Helpline support. 

• Providing information and signposting. 

• Supporting survivor engagement activities. 

• Assisting with day-to-day service delivery. 

We're looking for volunteers who are: 

• Compassionate and approachable. 

• Reliable and committed. 

• Strong communicators and active listeners. 

• Passionate about supporting survivors and creating positive change. 

What you'll gain: 

• Full training and induction. 

• Ongoing support and supervision. 

• Valuable experience within a specialist service. 

• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change within your community.

Every conversation matters - Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse. 

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#helpline

Can you spare 3 hours a week to make a difference to the lives of children? Home-Start Volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to families.

We are looking for compassionate, non-judgemental and caring individuals to join our community of volunteers to share their parenting experiences and knowledge with families. Home-Start is one of the leading family support charities in the UK and Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire work in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford. Our volunteers provide a weekly, one-to-one home-visiting service. We help families from all backgrounds, with at least one child in the household under the age of 5 years, through their most challenging times.

Your role will be to offer support to a family you are matched with and support them in the way that they would like: this may include help with practical tasks such as getting out of the house, attending appointments, an extra pair of hands on a trip to the park or a playgroup, role-modelling how to play with children or helping to get organised. It could also involve empathising and supporting through emotional issues in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. All visits are a maximum of three hours, once per week and all take place Monday to Thursday, between 9am and 4pm (and only when our office is open).

Home Start also deliver targeted groups to support families, a place for families to connect, learn and play together. Volunteers support Home Start staff to deliver groups for families – from helping to set up/clear away, role-modelling playing with the children to parents and offering friendly emotional support to parents.

We will train you to Home Start Warrington and Cheshire standards of excellence. The training is free and is delivered by a combination of online modules and four, weekly, face to face sessions with one of our Family Support Coordinators. 

The course will cover 

The role of a Home-Start volunteer

Values, attitudes and inclusivity

Confidentiality

Listening and communication

Meeting the needs of families and children

Safeguarding

Our next volunteer course of preparation is due to start in September. We offer the course in two locations - Warrington on Tuesday's or Winsford on Thursday's.

Volunteers will receive ongoing support and supervision from our Family Support Coordinators and there are opportunities for further training. Your experience, attributes and competencies will be recognised, and you will have the opportunity to develop them further.

Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire is committed to safer recruitment practise as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults. Any offer of a voluntary role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references and to have completed our preparation course and signed our Code of Conduct and relevant policies and procedures before they will be able to volunteer with a family or at one of our groups or events.

Make a difference for children in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford and enquire today.

About the role

We are currently advertising for a Chair of Medaille Trust. The Chair will ensure the Charity is well-managed and governed, strategically focused, legally compliant, and accountable, whilst also supporting the board and management to achieve the Charity’s mission.

Key responsibilities:

• Leadership and Governance: The chairperson leads the board of trustees and line manages the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that the Charity operates in line with its governing document, legal requirements, and charitable objectives. They help the board focus on strategic matters rather than day-to-day operations while maintaining oversight.

• Strategic Oversight: The chair ensures the board has regular access to information from the CEO and other key staff, to enable it to make key strategic decisions in the Charity’s best interests, including financial planning, resource management, and long-term goal setting. They help the board distinguish between operational issues and governance matters, keeping the focus on the bigger picture while ensuring they are aware of any risks or complaints the Trust and its management may face.

• Board Coordination and Development: The chair coordinates board activities, works with the secretary to set agendas, chairs meetings, and fosters a positive board culture. They lead trustee recruitment, succession planning, and ensure the board has the necessary skills and diversity to function effectively.

• Policy and Compliance: The chair ensures that appropriate policies and procedures are in place, that the Charity complies with relevant laws, and that reporting and accountability mechanisms are followed. They oversee delegations of authority to staff or committees and ensure these are documented and regularly reviewed.

• Representation and Advocacy: Acting as a figurehead, the chair represents the Charity externally, communicates with religious and other partners, and may on occasion, act as a spokesperson for the organisation.

• Support and Liaison: The chair often serves as a link between the board and the Charity’s CEO, setting objectives, holding regular meetings, questioning, conducting appraisals and providing guidance and support while respecting operational boundaries.

• Safeguarding: The Trust will respond to all safeguarding concerns or allegations that come to its attention. It does this through the implementation of its policies, practices and code of conduct. The Trustees are committed to ensuring this commitment is and remains at the centre of all the Trust’s work.

Location: Board meetings are held in London and occasional visits to Safe Houses across England

Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year, regular meetings with the CEO, occasional 1:1 meetings with individual Trustees and representing the Charity at various events

What we offer: Meaningful and impactful opportunities for volunteers to gain experience in a sector, that makes a profound difference to the lives of survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.

Expenses reimbursed in line with Medaille’s Expenses Policy.

A DBS check completed and paid for by Medaille.

If you have any queries, please visit Medaille Trust website.

This position is subject to a satisfactory Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check. Closing date: Friday, 18 September 2026 at 10am

About Us

Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK. We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year. We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our “Pursue Work” helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

Historical Information

Medaille Trust was started by a member of the congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy in 2006 with the support of Catholic Religious Congregations across the country. Sr. Ann Teresa’s vision and that of the Catholic Religious congregations remain key to our identity. Our work continues to be guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching: human dignity, solidarity, preferential option for poor and vulnerable people, and the dignity of work.

We are based in Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth and Westminster.

At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support.

With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading.

What’s Involved?

As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families at their homes every week with a backpack full of books to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick books based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Visit their homes with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Leave behind a selection of books for the children to borrow for the week

Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

When and Where?

We have volunteer opportunities in: Hammersmith, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway, Shepherds Bush, East Acton, Latimer Road, Euston, Kings Cross, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Queens Park, Pimlico, Brixton, Tulse Hill, and World's End.

• Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times
• Hours per week: 2.5
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays depending on where you are based from 4:30pm – 7:00pm

 Why volunteer with Doorstep Library? 

• It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading. 
• We invest in our team of volunteers to ensure they are valued, supported and are developing. 
• You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members. 
•  You can make a real difference to the lives of others. Providing you with a real sense of purpose and achievement. 
•  You give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week. 
• You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem and mental well-being. 
• You will develop skills and enhance your C.V. 

Doorstep Library is committed tosafeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with.All volunteersundergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references.  Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.