Accounting volunteer volunteer roles

Behçet’s Disease is an auto-immune disorder which is incurable but can be managed by specialist consultants. It is very rare and can affect any part of the body. It often takes years to diagnose and can be debilitating to the patient. 

Behçet’s Patients Centres (BPC), a charitable company, was formed in 2011 to provide the specialist, multi disciplinary care for patients.

We are seeking to recruit a Director to our Board in order to both increase our experience and skills base and to facilitate effective succession management. This is a volunteer role that offers rewarding experience and the chance to make a difference in the lives of those who are affected by this rare condition.

This is a highly autonomous role that will make a big difference to the Board of Directors and their purpose to provide a service to one of the rarest patient groups in England. We’re looking for someone who can come in and help us build on our achievements and do things even better. You will play an important role as a member of the Board of Directors, ensuring they are guided by your expertise.  We also work collaboratively with Behçet’s UK, the registered charity for patients with Behçet’s Disease and you’ll be building relationships with that charity. 

The time commitment for this role is around 2 to 3 days per month on average, with extra time needed around budgeting and year end accounts. 

Experience Required:

• Proven management and leadership skills
• Proven communication skills
• Awareness of both Charity and Data Protection Law
• Computer literate in use of Microsoft products
• Experience of contract performance management
• Flexibility of working hours to attend quarterly Director meetings and the Behçet’s UK Annual Conference

Qualifications Required:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience. 
• A UK driving licence and the ability to travel 
• A clean Disclosure & Barring Services check will be undertaken 

Do you have a direct Latin American background and financial expertise you want to put to meaningful use?

This is a great opportunity to contribute to the financial management and sustainability of a registered charity that has supported Latin American and other migrant communities through information, advice and guidance for vulnerable individuals, children and young people's activities and projects, adult education opportunities, and community-led cultural projects since 1983.

About us

LAH is a community-led charity driven by and for Latin Americans in the UK. For decades, we have been supporting Latin American and other Spanish and Portuguese-speaking migrants, championing their rights, wellbeing, and inclusion. We are a small, close-knit team with big ambitions, and everything we do is rooted in the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Our work takes place across London and at our community centre in Kilburn, North West London.

About the role

This is a voluntary, non-executive governance role with a time commitment of just 2 to 3 hours per month. As Finance Trustee, you will Chair our Finance and Fundraising Sub-Committee, providing board-level oversight of LAH's financial health: reviewing management accounts, scrutinising budgets and forecasts, ensuring our financial controls are robust, and supporting the wider Board of Trustees at Latin American House to understand financial risk and sustainability.

You will work closely with LAH Director and finance team, contributing to the approval of annual accounts and budgets, and ensuring we meet our Charity Commission and Companies House obligations.

This is strategic oversight, not day-to-day operations - the hands-on finance work stays with our staff.

If you have ever wanted your professional skills to serve your community, this is how.

What we are looking for

You will have a direct Latin American background, this is a requirement of LAH's governing documents, alongside experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or financial management. You will be able to translate financial concepts clearly for non-finance trustees, bring sound judgement and analytical thinking, and be comfortable in an organisation where systems are still growing and developing.

You do not need prior trustee or charity experience. What matters is integrity, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine commitment to the communities LAH serves. 

What we offer

• A meaningful governance role at the heart of a values-driven organisation
• The chance to contribute your financial expertise directly to your community
• Full trustee induction and ongoing governance support
• A collaborative, committed Board of Trustees working towards a shared mission
• Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

Latin American House is a registered charity (1127253) and registered company (06720498). Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity.

Our partner is an established international development organisation seeking an experienced finance professional to undertake a short, independent process review relating to the financial management of a large donor-funded programme.

The assignment relates to a complex grant management issue involving the treatment and interpretation of foreign exchange gains and losses, donor policy requirements, partner payments, internal decision-making and communications. The situation has involved a number of finance, programme, donor and partner considerations, and the organisation is seeking an external professional who can help establish a clear, balanced and factual account of what happened.

The purpose is to support transparency, shared understanding and organisational learning, and to identify practical recommendations that could strengthen future grant management, documentation, financial decision-making and communication between teams.

Scope of support

The volunteer will be asked to:

• Review relevant grant documentation, donor correspondence, internal communications, financial records and policy guidance relating to the issue.
• Understand the organisation’s approach to calculating, recording and managing foreign exchange gains and losses within the grant.
• Review the sequence of internal and donor-facing communications, including key decision points and financial implications.
• Conduct remote conversations with approximately 4–5 key staff members involved in the process.
• Identify any areas where interpretation, documentation, process, communication or escalation could have been clearer.
• Prepare a concise written note or report setting out the chronology, observations, learning points and practical recommendations.
• Maintain a sensitive, balanced and non-judgemental approach throughout, recognising the complexity of the issue and the range of stakeholders involved.

Volunteer Profile

This assignment would suit a senior professional with experience in international NGO finance, donor grant management and financial controls. The ideal volunteer will bring:

• Strong experience of complex donor-funded programmes, including restricted funding, donor compliance, grant financial management and partner payment arrangements.
• Ability to interpret financial information, donor requirements and organisational policies clearly and objectively.
• Experience reviewing financial processes, internal controls or grant management issues.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce a concise, balanced and practical report.
• A calm, thoughtful and sensitive approach, particularly where issues have involved internal tension or differing interpretations.

Time commitment

The assignment can be delivered entirely remotely. The anticipated commitment is up to 30 hours in total, ideally over a period of approximately 4–6 weeks. A commitment of around 5 hours per week would be helpful, although there is some flexibility depending on the volunteer’s availability and the agreed approach. They are seeking for the bulk of the work to be compelted in July - August. 

Girlhood Reclaimed disrupts misogyny through training and awareness-raising workshops across education and youth settings and by creating safe spaces for young women, girls and gender-diverse young people that centre their voices and joyful feminist activism.

We are seeking a passionate and proactive Co-Director (Fundraising & Finance) (voluntary) to join our leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a growing organisation by leading fundraising efforts, supporting financial sustainability and contributing to strategic decision-making within our collaborative, values-led and flat structure leadership model.

Whether you are an experienced fundraiser, finance professional, grant writer, or similar, and looking to apply your skills to a meaningful cause, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in helping build a future where every girl and gender-diverse young person has the opportunity to be heard, valued and empowered.

Deadline for application: 31st July 2026

This role is open to women only under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 (occupational requirement).

I am working on behalf of my Client BeFriend Cows, who are a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that promotes compassion toward animals. They are seeking a financially-minded leader to join their board and guide their organization's financial health as they grow. This role combines financial stewardship with strategic thinking, helping ensure they have the resources and stability to expand their impact for animals, families, and communities worldwide.

Current status: This is a volunteer role. As they scale, they envision transitioning board leadership into compensated positions.

Your Core Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Present clear, accurate financial updates to the full board

• Guide the annual budget process and monitor organizational spending

• Lead audit preparations and ensure strong financial controls

• Oversee how we manage reserves and any investment activities

• Offer strategic input on major financial decisions

Board Governance

• Participate in evaluating and supporting our Executive Director

• Help navigate complex legal or ethical questions facing the organization

• Ensure we remain aligned with our charitable mission and legal obligations

• Act as an ambassador, opening doors to partnerships and visibility

• Contribute to fundraising conversations and donor relationship building

• Provide perspective on organizational strategy and long-term direction

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

We are recruiting Governors for Gateway College in Leicester. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills, experience and insight to help shape the future of post-16 education and support young people in our communities. 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

Open your home for a night. Change a young person's future.

Every year, young people in our community face the frightening reality of having nowhere safe to stay. By becoming a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you can provide a warm welcome, a safe place to sleep, and the breathing space a young person needs while longer-term support is put in place.

About Us

Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediation works with young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build an independent and positive future.

Our services include:

• Safe, emergency accommodation through our Nightstop community hosting scheme.
• Family and school mediation to help prevent relationship breakdown.
• Homelessness prevention through education, life skills workshops and crisis support.

About Nightstop

Nightstop provides emergency accommodation in the homes of trained and approved volunteer hosts. Rather than spending the night on the streets or in unsafe situations, young people are offered a temporary, safe place to stay while our team works to find appropriate longer-term accommodation and support.

As a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you'll never be working alone. Our experienced team provides ongoing guidance and support throughout every placement.

What You'll Do

As a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Provide a clean, safe and private bedroom for a young person needing emergency overnight accommodation.
• Offer an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch.
• Give access to bathroom facilities and laundry if needed.
• Stay in regular contact with the Nightstop team before, during and after placements.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing a welcoming environment.

Placements are short-term and arranged around your availability.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous experience—what matters most is compassion, reliability and a willingness to help.

We're looking for people who:

• Want to support young people experiencing homelessness.
• Can offer a non-judgemental and respectful approach.
• Have a spare bedroom available at short notice.
• Are willing to complete training and work alongside our experienced team.
• Have an interest in making a real difference within their local community.

Training and Support

We'll make sure you feel confident before welcoming your first guest.

You'll receive:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Daily check-in calls throughout each hosting placement.
• Access to a 24-hour emergency on-call service.
• Regular supervision and support meetings.
• Opportunities to attend additional training delivered by the organisation.

Why Volunteer With Us?

By becoming a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Help prevent youth homelessness in your local community.
• Provide safety and hope at a critical moment in a young person's life.
• Develop valuable skills through high-quality training and support.
• Meet like-minded volunteers through appreciation and networking events.
• Receive reimbursement for all agreed out-of-pocket expenses.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive service and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We believe our volunteers should reflect the diversity of the people we support.

Recruitment Process

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, successful applicants will complete:

• An application form.
• An informal interview.
• Enhanced DBS and reference checks.
• Induction training.
• A home visit and health and safety assessment.

If you have a spare room and a desire to make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you. One night of kindness can be the first step towards a brighter future for a young person experiencing homelessness.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us apply for and secure funding to support our valuable work. This role can be done remotely, with no fixed rota, and the amount of time you give is flexible.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Interested in fundraising or securing funding

• May have experience in the community or charity sector

• Legal or corporate background, or studying law or similar subjects

• Willingness to learn, motivated, and proactive

• Organised and detail-oriented

• Positive attitude and collaborative

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you

• Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility – contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in fundraising, research, and grant applications

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As our local branch Finance/Treasurer volunteer, you’ll make sure your branch gets the most for its money. You’ll maintain income and expenditure records to document and report on branch finances. You’ll manage their accounts and make financial information easy to understand.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:

• Accurately maintaining income and expenditure records to  document and report on branch finances

• Offering objectivity around the spending of money and ensuring money is spent in a cost-effective manner

• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories

• Ensuring that our financial requirements and policies relating to group finances are followed

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

Essential Criteria:

Our Volunteer Treasurers/ Finance Assistants will manage the bank account for the local branch.  To be accepted by the bank you need an acceptable credit rating, be a UK resident and preferably live in the area of the REMAP branch you are applying for. 

What you’ll need for this role: 

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Experience in bookkeeping, budgeting, and planning income and expenditure

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• A commitment to our aims and values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training.

Where will I volunteer?

The Finance Volunteer role is largely home based, but it varies from branch to branch – some branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so, and their Finance Volunteers must be based in the area the branch covers. Your local branch will be able to provide more information.

Time commitment

This also varies, but it’s generally around 1-2 hours a week.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.