Volunteer Leader Volunteer Roles

Overview of the role

This role is all about people, and one of the incredible benefits of volunteering in any role in Scouts, but even more so as County Lead Volunteer, is the teams of people you get to work with. You will inherit an incredible team of dedicated people leading Scouting in Cornwall, from District Lead Volunteers who manage Scouting on a local level, to the people delivering high quality training for our Scout Leaders. As County Lead Volunteer you get to inspire, motivate, shape and develop this team, building friendships and establishing a sense of camaraderie focused around our mission for young people.

As a County Lead Volunteer you will be able to really develop and hone your leadership skills by managing teams of remote volunteers across the breadth of Cornwall. Leading and managing volunteers provides so much more opportunity and experiences than with employees, what you can gain by doing this really well can be a great asset for your professional life as well as in Scouts. The issues and challenges that you find ways to tackle will stretch you as an individual and as a leader and you’ll find yourself discovering new things that you are capable of achieving.

If you get a kick out of seeing things happen, achieving success and making a positive impact to a wide audience then the County Lead Volunteer role definitely provides all of that. In this role you will get to see the difference that Scouts makes to so many young people’s lives across a large area, helping them develop skills for life, fostering friendships and providing so many incredible and unforgettable experiences.

Application process

You can apply for the role yourself using the application form, or nominate someone else using the nomination form.

We welcome partnership or small team applications where you feel you could take a Team/Partnership approach to managing the County Lead Volunteer role/function. Please get in touch with us if you would like to discuss this as a potential option.   

Nominated people are under no commitment to apply unless they wish to. 

A search group has been put together to oversee this process and will review all applications and nominations in order to make decisions as to who to invite to attend the selection stage of this process.

At the end of the application form, we also ask applicants to please fill out our Diversity Monitoring Form. You will be automatically directed to this. 

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 10th December 2024

Interview dates: end of January 2025

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period for our festive Health & Wellbeing days.

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need an electronic copy of your recognised qualification and PLI certificate to hand.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Our massage service gives our guests a rare chance to release tension, relax and totally unwind. If you are a qualified masseuse, come and share your skills and make a real difference to homeless people this Christmas.

What you will gain

• You will have the opportunity to be part of a volunteer led team making a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness over the Christmas period 
• The opportunity to share existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment 
• Access to relevant Crisis at Christmas training events 
• Support and advice from Crisis at Christmas staff team    
• Experience in running activities 
• A platform for building confidence 
• Skills and knowledge in providing services for people experiencing homelessness

Core tasks

Your tasks may include: 

• During your shift you will provide short sessions for guests with breaks in between. 
• All treatments are clothed or with tops off if you and the guest are comfortable.
• You will be volunteering at our Health & Wellbeing Day(s). These events are an opportunity for members to access a range of health & wellbeing services from the safety and comfort of our Skylight.
• You will be part of the Activities and Wellbeing Team team along with other roles which may include: Hairdressers, Nail Technicians, Podiatirsts and Physiotherapists.  
• Our training will show you what to expect when running sessions and the type of sessions that work best for our guests.  

Who we are looking for

• Professional practitioners of traditional massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Indian Head massage or aromatherapy
• You must have a recognised qualification and appropriate insurance.    
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with vulnerable guests.  
• A positive attitude and the ability to encourage and motivate guests who may not have had a massage before.  
• A can-do attitude and willingness to muck in and help the entire activities team throughout your shift.    
• Ability to work with the Shift Team and report any potential issues to the shift leader   
• Ability to deliver Crisis at Christmas services in a fair manner ensuring that the safety of the guests and volunteers is of paramount importance at all times  
• Be a positive role model for all volunteers exhibiting behaviours outlined in the Volunteers Code of Conduct  
• Unfortunately we do not accept reiki or other natural healing practitioners.

Additional information

• We expect volunteers to comply with Crisis policies including health and safety, data protection and code of conduct at all times  
• To maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all accessible information about guests and the organisation  
• Be positive, productive and have the passion to help end homelessness  
• We strive to ensure that our services are welcoming, remain relevant and are fully accessible to everyone that we help and support.  
• We are particularly welcoming of volunteers from diverse and other marginalised communities, as this helps us ensure the best experience for those that we are here to help.  
• People who have lived experience of homelessness are also particularly welcome to apply. 

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need electronic copies of your recognised qualification and PLI certificate to hand.

As a Group Leader at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire (YoCO), you will play a key role in guiding and supporting young people through our 18-month program. This involves leading weekly 2-hour sessions in Carterton, creating a safe and engaging environment, and driving personal development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following YoCO’s unique programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the YoCO support team, and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by YoCO).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Carterton
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered.

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped. 

What can you expect to be doing?

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers

• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation

• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes

• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively

• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan

• Sign-posting queries from members of the public

• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You’ll make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens by helping maintain positive communications, managing administration processes and promoting the work of Cats Protection. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Strong administration skills and attention to detail
• Good communication skills
• Good organisation and prioritisation skills
• Good team-working skills
• Good IT skills to use Cats Protection systems – training and support can be provided
• A willingness to learn how the branch and organisation operates
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Thank you for joining us and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection.

As a Group Leader at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire (YoCO), you will play a key role in guiding and supporting young people through our 18-month program. This involves leading weekly 2-hour sessions in Faringdon, creating a safe and engaging environment, and driving personal development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following YoCO’s unique programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the YoCO support team, and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by YoCO).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Faringdon
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered.

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Tewkesbury Superstore. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our Cat Adoption Team Leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our Cat Adoption Team Leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat adoption enquiries via email / telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other branch volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cat Welfare Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team

The Branch are looking for support to help oversee their cattery boarding arrangment 

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting a wider team of volunteers in cat adoption roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and you will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good knowledge of cats and cat welfare
• An appreciation of suitable homing environments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Patience and the ability to handle sensitive situations with objectivity and pragmatism
• Willingness to be part of a team
• A positive, open approach with the ability to bring out the best in others
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Overview
As a Paddle Leader you will be responsible for the safety of the group (“Fire”) to which you’re
assigned whilst paddling and/or engaging in activities on or in the margins of the river/body of
water. You will lead and manage your Fire in conjunction with at least one other expedition
Leader and will operate within the parameters set by British Exploring Society, the Chief Leader
and/or Senior Paddle Leader.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• 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. 

About the Youth Team role

​Youth Team Volunteers work with young people from a wide breadth of backgrounds, ensuring they really feel part of the St John family. Volunteers will help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Getting started

You will usually be able to start volunteering very quickly, joining your new youth unit, meeting the young people and your colleagues and beginning to learn on the job. However please be aware you will have some online training to do, and you will need to engage with classroom training opportunities when available. There is also optional training for those who wish to pursue higher youth team qualifications.

Pursuing the role

We do not have a fixed closing date, but we may pause recruitment if we become oversubscribed - so if you want to pursue this, please do not delay!

If you are not already a St John Ambulance volunteer, after getting some brief details we will first invite you to an interview with our Welcome Team.

When pursuing this role, we will check you meet the minimum criteria and then invite you to a Youth Team interview, after which we'll be able to tell you if you've been accepted for this role.

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire of 8-12 Young Explorers. Social Leader role is to ensure that all young people can develop and thrive on our expeditions. They provide additional support with pastoral care and behavioural management for young people, particularly those facing challenges. Social Leaders will have demonstrable experience of working with young people in residential environments.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• 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. 

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.

Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes

Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

A bit about this role:

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
• online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
• bringing new ideas! We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
• engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathetic to cats and our values
• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

Time expectation

This role is very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The well being of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact: Emma Vipond, Volunteer team leader 

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period for our festive Health & Wellbeing days.

 If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need to provide evidence of your qualification OR a reference from your current employer.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Giving Crisis at Christmas guests a chance to feel pampered and confident. Our Crisis salon is one of our busiest and most popular services at our Health & Wellbeing Days.

What you will gain

• You will have the opportunity to be part of a volunteer led team making a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness over the Christmas period 
• The opportunity to share existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment 
• Access to relevant Crisis at Christmas training events 
• Support and advice from Crisis at Christmas staff team    
• Experience in running activities 
• A platform for building confidence 
• Skills and knowledge in providing services for people experiencing homelessness

Core tasks

Your tasks may include: 

• Offering a cut and blow dry or braiding service 
• Barbers offer haircuts including short back and sides, skin fade, head shave and beard trimming to our Christmas guests. 
• You will be volunteering at our Health & Wellbeing Day(s). These events are an opportunity for members to access a range of health & wellbeing services from the safety and comfort of our Skylight. All treatments are clothed. 
• You will be part of a specialist volunteer team which may include: Hairdressers, Masseuses, GPs, Nurses, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists. 
• Our training will show you what to expect when offering hairdressing services in our Christmas centres.

Who we are looking for

• Professional hairdressers/barbers 
• People who are enthusiastic about making our guests feel good 
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with vulnerable guests 
• A positive attitude and the ability to be friendly and welcoming to guests who may not have had a haircut for a long time 
• Ability to work with the Shift Team and report any potential issues to the shift leader  
• Ability to deliver Crisis at Christmas services in a fair manner ensuring that the safety of the guests and volunteers is of paramount importance at all times 
• Be a positive role model for all volunteers exhibiting behaviours outlined in the Volunteers Code of Conduct 
• Commitment to Crisis’ purpose and values including equality and social inclusion  

Additional information

• We expect volunteers to comply with Crisis policies including health and safety, data protection and code of conduct at all times  
• To maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all accessible information about guests and the organisation  
• Be positive, productive and have the passion to help end homelessness  
• We strive to ensure that our services are welcoming, remain relevant and are fully accessible to everyone that we help and support.  
• We are particularly welcoming of volunteers from diverse and other marginalised communities, as this helps us ensure the best experience for those that we are here to help.  People who have lived experience of homelessness are also particularly welcome to apply.

A bit about this role

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our feline friends in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare. 

What can you expect to be doing? 

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social networking and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our National Cat Centre to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required 

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by supporting other publicity volunteers in their roles and raising awareness of Cats Protection. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to be a part of a team
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• Good IT skills
• Editorial skills and experience in PR and marketing (would be an advantage) 
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period for our festive Health & Wellbeing days.

 If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need to provide evidence of your qualification OR a reference from your current employer.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Giving Crisis at Christmas guests a chance to feel pampered and confident. Our Crisis salon is one of our busiest and most popular services at our Health & Wellbeing Days.

What you will gain

• You will have the opportunity to be part of a volunteer led team making a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness over the Christmas period 
• The opportunity to share existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment 
• Access to relevant Crisis at Christmas training events 
• Support and advice from Crisis at Christmas staff team    
• Experience in running activities 
• A platform for building confidence 
• Skills and knowledge in providing services for people experiencing homelessness

Core tasks

Your tasks may include: 

• Offering a cut and blow dry or braiding service 
• Barbers offer haircuts including short back and sides, skin fade, head shave and beard trimming to our Christmas guests. 
• You will be volunteering at our Health & Wellbeing Day(s). These events are an opportunity for members to access a range of health & wellbeing services from the safety and comfort of our Skylight. All treatments are clothed. 
• You will be part of a specialist volunteer team which may include: Hairdressers, Masseuses, GPs, Nurses, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists. 
• Our training will show you what to expect when offering hairdressing services in our Christmas centres.

Who we are looking for

• Professional hairdressers/barbers 
• People who are enthusiastic about making our guests feel good 
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with vulnerable guests 
• A positive attitude and the ability to be friendly and welcoming to guests who may not have had a haircut for a long time 
• Ability to work with the Shift Team and report any potential issues to the shift leader  
• Ability to deliver Crisis at Christmas services in a fair manner ensuring that the safety of the guests and volunteers is of paramount importance at all times 
• Be a positive role model for all volunteers exhibiting behaviours outlined in the Volunteers Code of Conduct 
• Commitment to Crisis’ purpose and values including equality and social inclusion  

Additional information

• We expect volunteers to comply with Crisis policies including health and safety, data protection and code of conduct at all times  
• To maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all accessible information about guests and the organisation  
• Be positive, productive and have the passion to help end homelessness  
• We strive to ensure that our services are welcoming, remain relevant and are fully accessible to everyone that we help and support.  
• We are particularly welcoming of volunteers from diverse and other marginalised communities, as this helps us ensure the best experience for those that we are here to help.  People who have lived experience of homelessness are also particularly welcome to apply.