Domestic Abuse Volunteer Roles

Childline Volunteer Counsellor- Someone who wants to make a difference to children’s lives by being there to listen when they feel they have no one else to turn to. As a Childline counsellor, you’ll be there for young people and listen to them as they open up about whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do

You’ll volunteer in our Leeds Childline base, offering counselling support to children and young people over the phone or through our 1-2-1 online chat. Your supervisor will help you develop and evaluate your counselling skills. After your initial training, you will be able to help young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but don’t worry a supervisor will be on hand to give you plenty of support.

What you’ll get

You’ll receive training sessions over 12 weeks to prepare you for the role. When you start your regular shifts, a supervisor will be around all times to support you. Every shift includes a briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and group supervisions.

What we’ll need from you

Signing up to be a Childline counsellor is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, we do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year.

We’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and we can answer any questions you have about this.

Who’s right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• able to think on your feet
• works well within a team
• emotional resilience

Why volunteer with us?

Not only will you gain valuable experience throughout your volunteering journey, you’ll also have access to useful resources including a catalogue of online training, discount portal and NSPCC inMind – an online mindfulness resource.

You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteer journey with us and will have a dedicated key contact should you have any questions along the way.

We are looking to recruit new Trustees to help us delivery our new exciting strategy.

We thrive on difference - sadly rape and sexual abuse affects everyone in all of communities - as a Trustee Board we want to reflect all those individual characteristics and life experiences so that we can respond most sensitively to the needs of everyone who uses or would like to use our services.

Where you live, how old you are, whether you work and if so what you do, whether you have been a Trustees before or whether you consider yourself a leader are not the characteristics that will make you a good Trustee at Birchall. Sharing our belief and having passion and energy to help the organisation achieve that, is what matters. 

Being a Trustee at Birchall is a rewarding and exciting experience. We currently have 44 team members - a mixture of employed and freelance across Cumbria, North Lancs, East Lancs, and the Fylde Coast, and numerous volunteers and people with lived experience involved in our services,

You'll join a strong team dedicated to supporting people affected by rape and sexual abuse. Each year we campaign, fundraise and offer educational programmes as well as wellbeing services and group work activity sessions.

At Birchall, we work in a trauma informed way, which means we realise the widespread impact of trauma and understand potential paths for recovery. Our services allow people to work on a deeper level and address the trauma they have experienced. We are committed to the highest standards of governance as a Trustee Board and we will ensure you have the training and support to participate fully and to feel prepared and empowered as a Trustee.

We have a challenging strategic plan but wow what a difference we can make to individuals and communities if we achieve that.

The main criteria we are looking for is someone who is enthusiastic about the work we do here at Birchall and is keen to get stuck into being on a board. We know that this will mean you will come with great ideas and thoughts. We all have different experiences from many walks of life and feel like there is so much that would be beneficial for us to learn from.

As a trustee, some of the things you could support us with are:

Championing our vision to live in a world free of rape, sexual abuse and sexualised violence

Be involved in various sub committees, bringing your expertise and knowledge

Support our financial planning and accounts

Monitor the risks to the organisation and ensure we are putting in steps to manage them Oversee our safeguarding processes

Grow the voice of people with lived experience within our governance

Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee (we can organise training for this)

Lead on making sure the Birchall is well governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives

We’re not expecting you to do all of these things, but if there is anything on this list that speaks to you or sparks your interest, and you feel passionate about what we do and want to get stuck in, We would love to hear from you. Don’t think you can’t make a difference – together we can! 

 If you'd like to apply, we just want to hear 2 things from you:

1. A bit about who you are and what experience you have (this doesn't have to be paid employment!). What are some interesting things you've done in your life?

2. A quick explanation of why you're applying for the role. What makes this sound interesting to you?

About the role:

The Counter-Trafficking team at HBF is a small but very busy team; it works with people who have been trafficked for all forms of exploitation and supports them in their involvement in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), asylum and criminal justice systems. The Counter-Trafficking programme provides access to vital ongoing contact and safeguarding support for clients to ensure that they are kept safe and that their risks from others are minimised. The team takes a holistic approach which is tailored to the specific needs of clients, who have experienced human trafficking for sexual exploitation, forms of forced labour and/or criminal exploitation, amongst others. As a Counter-Trafficking volunteer, you will be trained to take an active role in the administrative and casework load of the team, and to help to provide pastoral support for our clients. This includes online filing, collating case materials (legal, clinical and other) to provide client chronologies, supporting the process of counter-trafficking assessments and other appointments, meeting remotely and in person with clients and engaging in tasks required to support the team. This is a fast-paced role, vital for the proper functioning of the team. You will be exposed to very traumatic information, but you will have careful, friendly supervision from a positive staff team in all aspects of your work. 

Main tasks and activities:

• Entering client data into our CMS database.

• Supporting Counter-Trafficking team staff with organising and booking client appointments.

• Collating legal and other case materials, writing up clients’ chronologies and drafting letters.

• Follow up calls with clients and/or professionals involved in cases.

• Meeting remotely or in person with clients alongside Counter-Trafficking team staff members.

• Taking clear and comprehensive notes at meetings with and about clients.

• Researching and collating key data and information for clients and the staff team.

• Attendance and minute taking at various professionals meetings.

• Administrative tasks as required by the team.

Skills and Experience Needed:

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation.

• A demonstrable empathy for our clients, including asylum seekers, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking.

• Awareness of the challenges that our clients may face.

• A high level of understanding of the duty of confidentiality when considering the sensitive information that the Counter-Trafficking team handles.

• A respect for the principles of diversity and human rights.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong time management and prioritisation skills.

• Willingness to learn quickly and ability to adapt in a fast-moving environment.

• Comfortable using Office 365 (in particular Outlook, Word, Excel). Desired:

• Experience of working with asylum seekers, refugees and survivors of trafficking.

• Fast touch-typing and document formatting skills.

• Experience with client management database programs and spreadsheet software.

• Experience organising client documents, producing chronologies and histories. 

What you will get out of the role:

• Experience of using trauma-informed methods of working with survivors.

• A better understanding of the legal systems relating to the National Referral Mechanism, the asylum system and refugee procedures in the UK.

• A stronger understanding of law enforcement and the criminal justice system as it relates to survivors of trafficking.

• An understanding of the multi-disciplinary care that survivors of trafficking require, including working with therapy, medical, housing and welfare and advocacy teams.

• Confidence in using interpreters to communicate with clients.

• Stronger and faster administrative skills.

• Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it.

• Experience of writing clear content and reports.

• An ability to multi-task between competing priorities. 

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

Volunteering with Victim Support in North Wales

As a Volunteer in North Wales your role will include:

• Supporting victims of all crime types and traumatic events
• Learning how to effectively support victims following the Victim Support Service Model
• Attending networking events and agricultural shows across North Wales
• Attending volunteer team meetings and the chance to work from the office from time to time.

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
• Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
• Undertake a DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

*Please note, this role is only available to applicants located in North Wales. If you are located elsewhere please have a look at our website for opportunities near you.

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

The Safeguarding lead will take the lead in ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for keeping students, volunteers and team members safe at Roots Academy.

You will promote the safety and welfare of young people involved in Roots Academy’s activities at all times.

Key tasks

• Take a lead role in developing, reviewing and implementing Roots Academy’s safeguarding policies and procedures: ensuring all safeguarding issues concerning students and volunteers who take part in Roots Academy’s activities are responded to appropriately.
• Make sure that everyone working or volunteering at Roots Academy, including the board of trustees, understands the safeguarding policy and procedures and knows what to do if they have concerns about a student or volunteer’s welfare.
• Develop and deliver safeguarding training.
• Make sure students and young people who are involved in activities at Roots Academy know who they can talk to if they have a welfare concern and understand what action the organisation will take in response.
• Receive and record information from anyone who has concerns about a student or volunteer who takes part in Roots Academy’s activities.
• Take the lead on responding to information that may constitute a safeguarding concern, including a concern that an adult involved with Roots Academy may present a risk to children or young people. This includes:

a. assessing and clarifying the information

b. making referrals to statutory organisations as appropriate

c. consulting with and informing the relevant members of the organisation’s management

d. following the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

• Liaise with, pass on information to and receive information from statutory agencies such as the police. This includes making formal referrals to agencies when necessary.
• Store and retain safeguarding records according to legal requirements and the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Work closely with the board of trustees the People Team Lead to ensure they are kept up to date with safeguarding issues and are fully informed of any concerns about organisational safeguarding practice.
• Report regularly to the board of trustees on issues relating to safeguarding, to ensure that safeguarding is seen as an ongoing priority issue and that safeguarding requirements are being followed at all levels of the organisation.

What we’re looking for

• The Safeguarding Lead must have received relevant safeguarding training
• Experience as a qualified social worker or safeguarding lead desirable
• Understanding of safeguarding in further education desirable
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim community essential

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

The Organisation

Victim Support is an independent charity. We are dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales, and we put them at the heart of our organisation. Our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
We provide specialist services to help people manage after crime and to empower them to ensure their voices are heard individually and collectively at a local and national level.
Our services help people affected by all types of crime and we provide free confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people affected by crime and traumatic events — regardless of whether they have reported the crime to the police or when it occurred.
Most of our services are delivered locally through skilled staff and volunteers who are deeply rooted in their communities. We adapt our services to meet local need and pride ourselves on being responsive to local demands. These services are closely linked into the National Homicide Service providing a dedicated, comprehensive service for those bereaved by murder and manslaughter and our national Supportline.
We are an independent charity, and our unrivalled national overview gives us the ability to share best practice and innovate in our services as well as champion victims’ rights from a strong evidence base.

More information about Victim Support can be found on our website.

The Role

The role of the Chair is, in addition to sitting as a trustee, to provide leadership and direction to the Charity’s Board, guiding and supporting Trustees in fulfilling their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This includes strategic planning; risk/opportunity management; ensuring that the Board operates within its charitable objectives; adhering to the Articles of Association; and ensuring the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Person specification

• Have a strong commitment to the work of VS.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Support relationships between Board and the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, including mentoring and constructive challenge.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak your mind, but listen with respect to the views of others.
• Our Chair will need to:
• Lead the Board of Directors to ensure that Victim Support is an effective charity that delivers support for victims and brings change through their voice.
• Chair meetings effectively, promoting a transparent and open culture while ensuring that clear decisions are reached and appropriately recorded.
• Meet regularly with the CEO and support, motivate and constructively challenge them including leading their annual performance appraisal.
• Have a sound understanding of the obligations of acting as a Trustee.
• Review board structures, skills and committees.
• Act as ambassador for the cause and the Charity, representing the charity (where appropriate) at key meetings and events.
• Be able to drive awareness of the charity to relevant stakeholders, including the public, relevant government departments and the wider victim support sector.

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for further information.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up to date CV, no longer than two A4 pages with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement, no longer than two A4 pages which address: a)how your skills, experience and personal qualities meet our requirements; b) demonstrate an understanding of risks and opportunities facing the charity and c) your thoughts on how you would support the charity to implement its five year strategy.

All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited - see website.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter:

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd September 2024
Interviews with Victim Support: Thursday 19th and Friday 20th September with an opportunity to meet key stakeholders during the previous week.
VS may also wish to hold second interviews.

While not essential, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented on our Board, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Come join our team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six 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.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

Wiltshire Moving on Project supports female survivors of modern slavery, trafficking and exploitation. As part of this work, we offer weekly sessions where service users can come together in a safe space to participate in activities and create friendships.

We are looking for a Volunteer Workshop Host to work with staff and other volunteers at the Swindon hub to support service users attending the hub. The Swindon drop in/hub currently runs every Friday and includes social and activity sessions as well as information and signposting.

CORE TASKS:

We are looking for Volunteer Workshop hosts to help support us in our drop in and uplifting group session activities, tasks will include:

· Welcoming visitors and service users to the hub, helping them sign in, directing them to the hub space, helping service users to engage within a group setting, helping with any activity sessions that take place on or off the premises.

· Help to create a varied programme of activities.

· To offer a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users varying physical and mental well-being needs.

· To provide feedback to the Local Coordinator, reporting any observations or concerns in a timely manner.

· Making refreshments/drinks.

· Helping to set up and tidy up group space.

· To take part in regular supervision and support.

· To regularly attend volunteer or staff meetings.

· To attend training as and when required.

· To work within agreed professional boundaries at all times

· To provide a safe and non-judgmental environment that promotes the core values and ethos of the Trust, in accordance with the Medaille Trust Policy, Data Protection Act, and Health and Safety Regulations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

The role would suit someone who is friendly, kind, empathetic and non-judgemental.  This position is very rewarding and would suit a person who is happy to work as part of a team, in a busy yet relaxed and upbeat environment.   

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with female adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the service in line with agreed procedures and systems. 

· Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

· Experience of arts and crafts

· Happy to support or lead sessions

· Volunteers will need to be computer literate and have a good standard of spoken and written English

· This role requires a regular commitment every fortnight

· Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

· Volunteers to have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

· Knowledge of mental health issues and the challenges faced or a willingness to learn

· An understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

· Must be able to get to the group session which is in Swindon Town Centre

This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to ongoing satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.

To apply, please complete an application form on our website.

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, which we will arrange.

The Organisation

Victim Support is an independent charity. We are dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales, and we put them at the heart of our organisation. Our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
We provide specialist services to help people manage after crime and to empower them to ensure their voices are heard individually and collectively at a local and national level.
Our services help people affected by all types of crime and we provide free confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people affected by crime and traumatic events — regardless of whether they have reported the crime to the police or when it occurred.
Most of our services are delivered locally through skilled staff and volunteers who are deeply rooted in their communities. We adapt our services to meet local need and pride ourselves on being responsive to local demands. These services are closely linked into the National Homicide Service providing a dedicated, comprehensive service for those bereaved by murder and manslaughter and our national Supportline.
We are an independent charity, and our unrivalled national overview gives us the ability to share best practice and innovate in our services as well as champion victims’ rights from a strong evidence base.

More information about Victim Support can be found on our website.

The Role

We are looking for a qualified accountant with financial experience in the Charity sector. This person will sit on FARC, along with the Treasurer and other members of the Board.

Person specification

• Charity sector finance experience in either a staff or Trustee capacity.
• A qualified accountant and someone who has operated in a senior capacity previously.
• Committed to developing your knowledge and understanding of how VS is run, including engagement work with local or national services.
• Committed to supporting and promoting VS’s purpose, vision and mission.
• Understand and believe firmly in the work that we do and our values.
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills.
• A creative thinker and help VS develop innovative new areas of work.
• Committed to supporting VS values and equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
• An active member of the board, committing the time and thought needed.
• Understanding of how a large organisation works.
• Experience or understanding of management.
• Experience of working or engaging with more senior members of an organisation (perhaps at Board or senior management level).

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for further information.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A support statement (no longer than two A4 sides) which addresses how you meet the main criteria and explains your motivations for applying.

All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited - see website.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter:

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd September 2024
Interviews with Victim Support: Friday 13th September 2024 [online].

While not essential, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented on our Board, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

We look forward to receiving your application. 

Come join our team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six 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.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

We often support service users who are transitioning into their own accommodation. Whilst this can be a time of happiness, it can also be a time of worry, with it bringing its own challenges, including physically being able to move their own belongings.

We want to support that transition as best we can, hence us looking for a skilled Volunteer Handyperson, who can help to make this process as smooth as possible.

CORE TASKS: 

We are looking for a Volunteer Handyperson to help support a smooth transition for service users as they move into their new accommodation. Tasks will include:

· Lifting, carrying, and transporting items in a safe manner

· General handyperson tasks such as installing shelving

· General maintenance tasks

· Sharing knowledge of general maintenance with service users to empower them to do it themselves going forward

· Only complete tasks that you able or qualified to complete

· Maintain health and safety at all times

· Showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs

· To provide feedback and safeguarding concerns to Local Coordinator - reporting any observations or concerns in a timely manner

· To take part in regular supervision and support

To regularly attend volunteer or staff meetings

· To attend training as and when required including health and safety, boundaries, safeguarding, manual handling and confidentiality

· To work within agreed professional boundaries at all times

· To provide a safe and non-judgmental environment that promotes the core values and ethos of the Trust, in accordance with the Medaille Trust Policy, Data Protection Act, and Health and Safety Regulations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

The role would suit someone who is friendly, kind, empathetic and non-judgemental. As well as someone who is physically fit to be able to lift and carry heavy objects. This position is rewarding and will be making an immediate difference in supporting and empowering service users.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with people in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members in line with agreed procedures and systems. 

· Volunteers must be at least 18 years old

· Volunteers will need to have a good standard of spoken and written English

· Be computer literate to be able to complete any online training

· Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

· Volunteers to have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

· Knowledge of mental health issues and the challenges faced or a willingness to learn

· An understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

· Have own vehicle which is in good condition, with tax, MOT and insurance which covers volunteer usage.

To apply, please complete an application form on our website.

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, which we will arrange.