Youth / Children Volunteer Roles in South West

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 via Zoom every week with eBooks to share with the children and encourage their love of reading.

You will:

• Handpick eBooks from our online portals based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level
• Join families via Zoom with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions  
• Make notes after the session to keep track of how the child/ren are progressing

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?

You can be based anywhere in the UK to become a Doorstep Library online volunteer.

• 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
• Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Skills/Experience Needed

• Be able to make a regular weekly commitment or once every 3 weeks for a Stand-In Volunteer during school term time
• Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references
• Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all
• Have comfortable fluency in English
• Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning
• Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff)
• Be confident using technology – for connecting with families via Zoom and completing records
• Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children
• Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences
• Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team
• Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer
• Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs

Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo 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.  

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Developing our organisation to be more representative of the 11 million cat owners across diverse communities in the UK and to be an inclusive place to volunteer and work is central to our ambition for cats. We want to grow our organisational impact by increasing our reach and to be relevant to our people and the communities we work with.

We would like to recruit a Lead Volunteer to collaborate with the Director of People and Culture, Head of Volunteering, Organisational Engagement and Inclusion (VEI) and internal stakeholders including Trustees, senior managers and volunteers to facilitate conversations, to stretch our thinking and provide external perspective and knowledge of EDI best practice, innovation, risk and areas of significant opportunity for Cats Protection.

 You can expect us to

• Listen to your insights and expertise and develop these into our activities and impact. Using your knowledge and experience to challenge ourselves to do better
• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

• Significant and up to date knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion, experience of developing EDI strategy and delivery of change

· Strong facilitation skills, ability to challenge with respect and create inclusive environments to have open and challenging conversations

· Experience of working with senior managers preferably in the third sector

· The ability to understand organisations and teams quickly to formulate bespoke and impactful recommendations

· Experience of using an organised and logical approach to find solutions to complex problems

Approximate time commitment

You’ll spend around 3–6 hours per week volunteering in this role. There will be some invitations to meetings may mean volunteering more hours some weeks, but we are flexible about you fitting the role around other commitments. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

We're looking for a new Chief Volunteer for International, to provide strategic volunteer leadership for both UK Scouting’s international relationships with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, National Scout Organisations worldwide and Scouting’s international partner organisations; and the UK’s approach to delivering the international component of our Scout programme for young people.

Operationally, you'll play a senior leadership role in the forming and management of our UK contingents to World and European events ensuring that learning from previous events and agreed methods 
for ensuring effective governance and delivery of these contingents is fully implemented.

You'll provide leadership for the various teams and functions that operate the international services and support for UK Headquarters within UK Scouting and internationally including our International Rep Pool, International Support Team and international endorsements process.

It is our ambition to create the best possible team to lead UK Scouts, and we believe that we will do that by inviting and involving volunteers from different walks of life with different experiences, different skills and perspectives. So at this time we are really keen to provide opportunities for people to develop their skills, interests and experience in Scouting in a supportive and enjoyable way.

You do not need years of experience in Scouts or in life, we are looking to identify volunteers with potential and enthusiasm for what we are here to achieve together for young people who we can help develop along the way.

“The World Scout Jamboree is one of the largest outdoor education events for youth on the planet! Tens of thousands of Scouts from all over the world come together to camp outdoors and join in fun activities where they make new friends, learn about other cultures, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime" - World Organisation of the Scout Movement website 

We are looking for a motivated and dynamic UK Contingent Leader to define, organise and deliver this fantastic event, working in partnership with UK Headquarters staff and other senior volunteers, utilising the learnings of past UK Contingents. You will recruit and (directly and indirectly) manage a contingent of adult volunteers and young people to participate in this fantastic event. As well as the Jamboree itself, you will be responsible for helping develop the UK Contingent experience and working closely with UK Headquarters staff to create and manage the event budget.

Being UK Contingent Leader for our contingent to the 26th World Scout Jamboree will be an experience like no other. Working alongside staff and other senior volunteers, you'll help set the direction for the UK Contingent and form a team of high-performing volunteers around you. You'll deliver an unforgettable and life-changing experience to the thousands of young people and adults who attend the Jamboree - as well as delivering projects that help the UK Contingent make a wider difference to the Scouts' entire membership.

We are looking for two volunteers who have experience with engaging with toddlars to run the 'Tots Connect' Toddler group at YCSW. This position is both highly rewarding and carries responsibility! So if this sounds like abit of you we would love to hear form you!

What happens in these groups is up to the volunteers, wether that be playtime, stories, colouring, painting the choices are endless, with the help of a supervisor anything could be possible!

Do you want to support a young person in the care system?

Would you like to help build a positive relationship, providing holistic support, and potentially advocating for them?

Do you drive and are you 21 or older?

If so then Bolton Lads and Girls Club want to hear from you! As a Befriender, your role is to provide a young person in the care system an organised friendship with boundaries. Ensuring that they feel heard, and that they have a constant in their life. You can take the young person out for activities to build their trust and ultimately ensure that they have support from someone separate of both the local authority and the care system, an Independent Visitor. Typically the minimum length of time we would expect a volunteer to be in the role is 18 months, however the nature of the role means it could vary. Meetups are normally every 2 to 3 weeks, at a time that is convenient for both people.

Whilst no experience is required as training is provided, previous experience with children/young people can be advantageous.

There is a budget available for activities, and mileage expenses are covered.

About YAUK

We are a not-for-profit organisation passionate about improving the lives of young people across the UK and believe that every young person should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our work involves using up-and-coming research and advocacy to address issues affecting young people, such as climate change, unemployment and skills training, and inclusion and diversity. We are firmly committed to improving young people's lives and believe that our unique and successful approach to achieving our vision will change lives for the better.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• To manage strategy, policy and the vision of the Research & Policy Department 

• To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles 

• To have overall responsibility for all of our research and research ethics 

• To oversee and develop departmental procedure and process

• To align the department with its objective and goals

• To be lead the department and oversee all of its volunteers and functions 

​You will need

• Management experience 

• Research experience and have completed a postgraduate course of study

• Research ethics

• Planning skills 

• Research report writing experience 

• Ability to create and manage policy

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

 Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!

Youth Advantage UK is looking for someone who can take us to the next level, helping to mange efforts of becoming a registered charity.

Requirements

• Charity registration experience or good knowledge on registration of charities 
• Note taking and record keeping experience 
• Trustee relations experience 
• A good knowledge of UK law particularly relating to charities and volunteers

Responsibilities

• To register the organisation as a charity with the Charity Commission and manage or carry out the associated work 
• To manage the organisations legal affairs 
• To support trustees 
• To ensure the constitution is adhered to 
• To keep records of trustee meetings 
• To maintain official records
• To ensure the organisation is acting properly in accordance with its purpose and constitution 

What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

Overview - This is a Senior Leadership team role.

The Deputy Chief Leader (DCL) role varies on each expedition. The DCL will work closely with
the expedition’s Chief Leader to take a prominent role in planning and training before & during
expedition, and in post expedition reporting. On larger expeditions, this is a Leader position in its own right whilst in others it may be an additional responsibility allocated to an existing Leader position i.e. you could be both a group (‘Fire’) Leader or Base Camp Manager as well as the DCL.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.

Youth Team Volunteers teach young people, of all different backgrounds, vital and life-changing first aid skills. We have two programmes – our 5-10 year olds are called Badgers and our 10-17 year olds are called Cadets.

 You'll help them build up their confidence, self-discipline and, teamwork skills, and have some fun along the way.

We're looking for Youth Helpers and Youth Leaders. You’ll start off as a Youth Helper and, if you fancy it, you'll get the opportunity to become a Youth Leader, with some additional training and experience. 

As a Youth Helper you will:

· Create a safe, inclusive and open environment, where young people can learn life skills including First Aid.

· Support the delivery of games, activities and sessions.

· Coordinate with your team to make sure young people are safe and supervised.

· Empower and encourage inclusion and participation of all the young people.

· Support with administration, collecting resources, paperwork, etc.

All training will be given, so no experience is necessary.

Youth Team Volunteers teach young people, of all different backgrounds, vital and life-changing first aid skills. We have two programmes – our 5-10 year olds are called Badgers and our 10-17 year olds are called Cadets.

 You'll help them build up their confidence, self-discipline and, teamwork skills, and have some fun along the way.

We're looking for Youth Helpers and Youth Leaders. You’ll start off as a Youth Helper and, if you fancy it, you'll get the opportunity to become a Youth Leader, with some additional training and experience. 

As a Youth Helper you will:

· Create a safe, inclusive and open environment, where young people can learn life skills including First Aid.

· Support the delivery of games, activities and sessions.

· Coordinate with your team to make sure young people are safe and supervised.

· Empower and encourage inclusion and participation of all the young people.

· Support with administration, collecting resources, paperwork, etc.

All training will be given, so no experience is necessary.

Youth Team Volunteers teach young people, of all different backgrounds, vital and life-changing first aid skills. We have two programmes – our 5-10 year olds are called Badgers and our 10-17 year olds are called Cadets.

 You'll help them build up their confidence, self-discipline and, teamwork skills, and have some fun along the way.

We're looking for Youth Helpers and Youth Leaders. You’ll start off as a Youth Helper and, if you fancy it, you'll get the opportunity to become a Youth Leader, with some additional training and experience. 

As a Youth Helper you will:

· Create a safe, inclusive and open environment, where young people can learn life skills including First Aid.

· Support the delivery of games, activities and sessions.

· Coordinate with your team to make sure young people are safe and supervised.

· Empower and encourage inclusion and participation of all the young people.

· Support with administration, collecting resources, paperwork, etc.

All training will be given, so no experience is necessary.

Youth Team Volunteers teach young people, of all different backgrounds, vital and life-changing first aid skills. We have two programmes – our 5-10 year olds are called Badgers and our 10-17 year olds are called Cadets.

 You'll help them build up their confidence, self-discipline and, teamwork skills, and have some fun along the way.

We're looking for Youth Helpers and Youth Leaders. You’ll start off as a Youth Helper and, if you fancy it, you'll get the opportunity to become a Youth Leader, with some additional training and experience. 

As a Youth Helper you will:

· Create a safe, inclusive and open environment, where young people can learn life skills including First Aid.

· Support the delivery of games, activities and sessions.

· Coordinate with your team to make sure young people are safe and supervised.

· Empower and encourage inclusion and participation of all the young people.

· Support with administration, collecting resources, paperwork, etc.

All training will be given, so no experience is necessary.

Sense College East is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals.

Sense College East has 8 locations in the East of England, East Midlands and West Midlands:

• Aldeby, Suffolk
• Bedford, Bedfordshire
• Dereham, Norfolk
• Knapwell, Cambridgeshire
• Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Rothwell, Northamptonshire
• Touchbase Pears, Birmingham
• Streatley, Luton

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed. 

This is a primarily virtual role, with all meetings taking place remotely, and an expectation of travelling to college sites once a term. 

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College East Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan 
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) 
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College 
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team 
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency 
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

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.

Sense values 

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