Social Welfare Volunteer Roles

Citizens Advice Barnet seeks new Trustees to join the board to help our established local charity continue to provide its vital services to the diverse communities of Barnet.

Ever since we were founded in 1939, Citizens Advice Barnet has been providing free, confidential and impartial advice to people who live, work and study in Barnet, as well as campaigning on big issues affecting people’s lives by using the data we collect to influence policies and practices that affect the lives of people in Barnet. Our Vision is a borough where no resident suffers disadvantage as a result of an inability to access the advice they need.

With the ongoing cost of living crisis and political change our work has never been more necessary or more in demand. To respond properly, we feel the need to continue having a robust Board of Trustees and, in so doing, our capacity to lead. In particular, we are seeking a more active programme of engagement between the trustees and staff and volunteers and the Barnet community. We are seeking to recruit up to two new Trustees.

Our Trustees shape the strategic direction of Citizens Advice Barnet. The Board sets objectives and targets for the Chief Officer and monitors their progress. The Board also provides advice and guidance for the Chief Officer and Senior Leadership Team. The Board is collectively responsible for ensuring the financial health of the organisation and that the proper financial controls are in place.

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to two people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, we have set out our stake as to how we want the world to change for carers. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy  while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. To find out more about this opportunity please download the Trustee recruitment pack.

Closing date: Monday 3 February  2025 10am

Interviews:

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with 

Volunteer befrienders offer the older, housebound people in our community a chance to connect socially, have a cup of tea, and a chat.  Could you be a much-needed social visitor to one of them this year? Training and support is provided.  Time and Talents is a welcoming community space and volunteering with us provides fantastic opportunities to connect with your community, build your skills, and even make new friends! We provide induction, training and continuous support, alongside opportunities to meet other volunteers.  We work hard to match you with a Befriendee who matches with your availability, personality, and ideally lives walking distance from you within Southwark!

In the first instance, please get in touch here and we will send you our online application form!

We are looking for Trustees who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders. We have a minimum of 3 positions available focussing on the following areas:

· Finance experience – professional operational experience of working within finance, such as overseeing budgets and forecasting

· Criminal Justice - professional operational experience of working within the criminal justice system

· Regional knowledge and experience of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

Ideally you will also have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do. However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.

Key Attributes We Seek in Trustees:

· Commitment to the YSS Mission: A keen belief in YSS's mission of fostering independence and empowerment is vital. We believe our Trustees should be driven by a passion for effecting positive change in people's lives.

· Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability is non-negotiable. Trustees must embody honesty and ethical behaviour in all endeavours.

· Strategic Thinking: Effective trustees possess strategic foresight and the ability to analyse complex issues. They contribute valuable insights to shape YSS's long-term direction and goals.

· Leadership Skills: Demonstrating strong leadership qualities is essential. Trustees should inspire others, foster collaboration, and proactively identify opportunities and challenges.

· Financial Awareness: Understanding financial matters is crucial for fulfilling a Trustee’s financial responsibilities to the organisation. Trustees should actively review financial reports and plans to ensure YSS's financial health.

· Diversity and Inclusion: YSS serves diverse communities, and we value diversity in our Trustees. A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is paramount.

· Effective Communication and collaborative approach: Trustees should possess strong communication skills, articulating ideas clearly and engaging with stakeholders effectively.

· Commitment and Availability: Serving as a trustee requires dedication of time and energy. Trustees must commit to attending meetings, participating in discussions, and engaging in relevant activities.

Principal responsibilities

· Provide strategic direction and challenge.

· Monitor performance. Ensure compliance.

· Safeguard reputation and values.

· Ensure financial viability.

· Contribute to MD's appointment, support, and performance monitoring.

· Participate in appraisal, recruitment, and disciplinary panels.

· Stakeholder & public engagement & marketing.

Desirable Areas of Skills and Experience:

· Commitment to the charity's vision and values

· Analytical and evaluation skills,

· Financial literacy, effective decision-making and independent judgement

· ICT and digital transformation

· Legal & Safeguarding

· Criminal Justice, Social Care or Social Enterprise

· Organisational Management, Human Resources

· Community Development

· Balancing conflicting views sensitively

· Networking, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement

· Strong leadership with credibility and enthusiasm

Summary of the Role: All trustees have a shared responsibility for setting strategic aims, objectives, and direction. You'll ensure YSS achieves its objectives, represents stakeholders' interests, and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Support and challenge the management team to deliver the strategic plan of YSS.  Always acting in the Charity’s best interest with care and skills to ensure the organisation is accountable.  This would be accountable to its purpose, staff and volunteers, funders, users and the law. 

The trustees have responsibility for helping to ensure the aims and objectives of the charity are aligned with the financial position of the charity and providing guidance on the financial planning and management for the organisation.  Specific duties include liaising with the management team on financial matters and supporting any engagement with the charity’s auditors or other such regulatory requirements.

Structure, Governance, and Management: YSS is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day management to the Managing Director, aided by the Senior Management and Leadership Team.

Strategy: YSS has a broad 3-year strategy linked to our organisational Theory of Change. Bi-annual strategic reviews are undertaken by the Trustees and Senior Management Team.

Priorities for 2025-2026:

· Review and refresh the current strategy

· Implementation of impact measurement metrics

· Creation of staff and service user forums

· Focus on income sustainability and relationships with local authorities and funders

· Further development around our social value strategy

Terms of Appointment

 Tenure: All Board members will be elected for an initial term of one year, after which they may be eligible for re-appointment for additional three-year terms, for a maximum of 10-year term.

Induction: New Trustees receive a full induction and relevant training.

 Remuneration: Trustees are volunteers; the position is unpaid. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed per the volunteer expenses policy.

 Time Commitment: 1 day per month. The YSS Board currently meets face to face, 6 times a year with up to 2 strategy planning days per year. All board members are encouraged to attend YSS events, including visits from our charity Patron and are welcome to make visits to projects to see first-hand the work of YSS, the people supported, staff and volunteers.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: YSS is committed to equality of opportunity, supports and encourages underrepresented groups and values diversity.

How to apply:

· Deadline for applications is 28th February 2025.

· Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

· Appointment is subject to eligibility in line with The Charity Commission criteria.

· To express your interest, please send your send your CV and covering letter to Stuart McCulloch, Head of Resources.

Barnet SASS provides practical and emotional support to anyone aged 16+ who resides in the Borough of Barnet and experiencing domestic abuse, honour based violence and forced marriage. We have various groups running within the Barnet Service throughout the year. We are also one of the lead DV agency for the One-Stop Shop which is an advice surgery provided by some agencies including,  housing, anti-social behaviour officer from the Barnet Homes, family solicitors, and cybercare.

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable and organised volunteer to assist our duty team, supporting survivors in an advocacy and admin role. Barnet SASS is a busy service, which receives many referrals every day. You will be supporting our duty team to process referrals and key admin work. If you are interested, you can also be trained to contact clients, making initial welcome or check in calls. You will be in the office in Barnet one day a week on Friday to support with this.

Who are we looking for?

We think you’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• An understanding of the issues faced by survivors and a desire to build on this.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good administrative and computer skills including proficient use of Zoom/Microsoft Teams, Microsoft packages and Outlook.
• An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills and be able to prioritise your workload.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by your supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the organisation.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

You will receive training and experience in using a case management system, safeguarding, talking to survivors and processing referrals. You will be part of an inclusive and dynamic team and have opportunities to shadow different roles to develop knowledge and skills. This is a great role if you are interested in joining the sector or working with survivors of domestic abuse.

We also offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:

• A companion telephone/video caller                                                               

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

• Or a combination of all three.

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat. 

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which are currently NG4, NG5, NG6, NG9, NG17, NG18, NG19, NG20, NG25 

Please contact the volunteering team for further information

Oasis Local Charity Trustee – North East Board

We are seeking new Trustees who can bring a range of skills and experiences that will help us to move closer to our vision of community - a place where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their God-given potential.

Joining our North East Board you would become a trustee overseeing our local charities in Sheffield, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

Founded in 1985, Oasis' vision is for community - a place where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their God-given potential. We have developed a unique and successful Community Hub model, which brings everyone together to ensure people’s needs are met holistically. Our experience shows that integrated models involving local people, schools, professionals, statutory agencies, churches and other charities are vital in transforming lives and communities.

The Community Hub concept has been replicated across England and in other countries worldwide. Our work in the UK includes running over 20 local Community Hub charities. We don’t just do things for people, we work alongside them with the aim of helping everyone reach their full potential.

As a Trustee, you will have responsibility for:

• Critiquing and agreeing strategy
• Income generation
• Project oversight
• Safeguarding the Oasis ethos and reputation

We are also seeking a new Chair who would have the following additional responsibilities:

Our unique governance structure, means that you have additional support to ease the burden that can be associated with local trusteeship, freeing you up to focus specifically on those tasks outlined above.

We are looking for people who:

• Have a passion for community transformation and the vision of Oasis
• Are able to ask challenging questions
• Have time to attend four meetings year, with occasional extraordinary meetings when required.
• Are local to Sheffield, Scunthorpe or Grimsby.

We are also seeking to appoint a new Chair of the board who in addition to the above will:

• foster and maintain productive relationships with and among individual trustees.
• create a positive environment for a high performing team.
• chair meetings effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process.

We encourage diversity amongst our Trustees, and we would applications from a diverse range of people in the community.

We are committed to provide a training and support package to our Trustees.

To apply or find out more please visit the Oasis Charity Jobs Website.

Deadline for applications 28th February 2025

Chair of Trustees – Switchback
Transforming Lives, Changing Systems
Switchback is seeking a passionate and experienced Chair of Trustees to lead its Board during an exciting and pivotal time in the charity’s development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of an innovative organisation that supports young Londoners leaving prison to build stable, rewarding lives and champions systemic change in the justice system.

About Switchback:
Since 2008, Switchback has supported hundreds of young men leaving prison, providing intensive one-to-one mentoring and real work training through its dedicated team of Switchback Mentors. Our pioneering approach has led to remarkable outcomes: while nearly half of prison leavers nationally reoffend within a year, only 9% of Switchback Trainees do, with over half moving into long-term work. In 2024, 68% of our Trainees achieved “Real, Lasting Change”-a fundamental shift in mindset and lifestyle. But Switchback is more than a charity; it’s a movement for change. We aim to expand our reach, influence national policy, and build a resettlement landscape that is effective, equitable, and rooted in lived experience.

About the Role:
As Chair, you will lead a dynamic and diverse Board of Trustees to support Switchback’s strategic ambitions. Working closely with our CEO, you will guide the charity’s growth, ensure strong governance, and champion our mission and values. You will be an advocate for justice reform, helping to open doors and build partnerships that enable sustainable, systemic impact.

Key Responsibilities include:
* Governance and Strategy: Ensure adherence to best governance practices, lead the implementation of a new strategic plan, and ensure EDI is embedded in all aspects of governance and delivery.
* Leadership: Build and lead an inclusive, high-performing Board that supports the CEO and staff team in achieving Switchback’s goals.
* Advocacy and Fundraising: Act as an ambassador for Switchback, leveraging your networks to advance the charity’s reach and influence.

Who We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a compassionate and experienced leader who is ambitious for Switchback and shares its belief in the dignity and potential of its Trainees.

Essential Attributes:
* Experience as a Trustee, ideally with Chair experience or at a larger organisation.
* A collaborative, empowering and coaching approach to leadership.
* Strong alignment with Switchback’s mission, values, and goals.
* An understanding of the justice system or lived experience that connects you to the challenges faced by our Trainees.
* Strategic insight, with a track record of leading organisations through growth and change and an ability to balance managing risk against innovation
* Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire and unite stakeholders.

Time Commitment:
Approximately two days per month, with flexibility for key periods such as strategy development or major events. The initial term is three years, renewable for up to six further years.

Remuneration:
This is a voluntary position. Travel and other reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Timeline:
A Q&A webinar session will be hosted by Switchback, where further insights will be shared as well as answers to any additional questions you may have. Please register your interest in attending this webinar with your consultant and we will send you a link. This will take place on Tuesday 11th February, 6-7pm.

Application deadline: Monday 24th February

First round interviews: Friday 28th March

Informal call with CEO: Wednesday 3rd April

Final interviews: Wednesday 23rd April

How to Apply:
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to Switchback on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and request a candidate pack. Alternatively, please download a copy of the pack under Application Resources. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities with which we work.

Our Peripatetic Team provide front-line support to Solace’s Advice, Community and accommodation-based Services across London. Crisis Intervention Workers enable our services to deliver a consistent high standard of service.

The team was created in order to have trained, skilled staff ready to cover gaps in service and facilitate the continued smooth running of services, proactively supporting women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. They are required to go into different teams and quickly establish themselves and provide support in times where staff teams may be struggling.

About the Role

The peripatetic team looks to support our different services when they are in crisis as such this role requires someone who is comfortable with change and can adapt to different services as they will move from team to team.
We need understanding and organised individuals who are keen to learn and develop skills in a variety of areas, are able to build relationships quickly and are able to work independently and also as part of a team.
Volunteers may be assigned to a new team for a duration ranging from a few days to a month, depending on the service needs.
The ideal volunteer will have a good telephone manner, excellent communication skills and be able to show empathy to service users. Volunteers will be given an extensive induction and will learn how to best support those who are experiencing or who have experienced abuse. They will support teams in a variety of ways, overseen by one central manager. The roles and tasks include:

• Perform administration tasks e.g. data entry, uploading minutes
• Answering duty line calls
• Contacting service users to check in, researching and making onward referrals.
• Researching local organisations and assisting to keep stakeholders up to date.
• Complete exit questionnaires and surveys.
• Promote service user involvement and send out relevant information and assist teams to organise events/feedback
  sessions.

Who are we looking for?

We think you’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Understanding of violence against women and girls issues and a desire to build on this.
• Confidence in using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to be well organised.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Tact and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Good listening skills and an empathic, non-judgemental approach.
• A willingness to learn and be open to new ideas
• An individual who works to be inclusive and kind

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to

• Gain experience and understanding of Violence against Women and Girls.
• Gain knowledge and awareness of abuse, safety planning, risk management options available to service users.
• Build skills around advocacy and negotiation.
• Enabling service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Improving IT skills and data management.
• Having a line manager who will create a plan with you around what you would like from this experience
• Have support of the Peri team and be buddied up with a staff member

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

We are looking for some volunteers trained in divorce law to help our current law team at SPSAS.

We are looking for someone to replace our current housing advice role as she is having to take time off. If you have expertese in this area please apply!

We are looking for trained or experienced Mckenzie friends to offer some scottish family law legal advice on our groups. We have a few volunteers already but they dont know scottish law.

We are looking for someone training / trained / or have experience in family courts for Scotland

We are looking for social workers to join our social worker and safeguarding team to give background help and advice to members who are in need of this.

Someone who can work as part of a team but also on their own when needed, we will take on trainees as we have a supervisor in this team

We are looking for someone who knows the CSA / CMS system to either do some on-line advice sessions or to be on the board readily available to answer CSA questions. This is an on-line role so needs access to facebook and an email address will be provided