Activities volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Newton le willows, merseyside

No Panic has hundreds of members, and dozens of volunteers. We aim to create a sense of community among our members and volunteers.

The Community Engagement Team Co-ordinator volunteer will be responsible for running activities that will bring this about.

These include holding social events on Zoom and maintaining WhatsApp groups.

The engagement team can use their imagination and interests – events/groups could be anything from book groups to craft sessions. The co-ordinator organises and maintains the activities and can participate in them if desired.

We are seeking several volunteers fior administrative support committed Trustees across this dynamic Trust's activities in creating historical town maps and atlases.  Roles include managing online meetings, contributing to operations including sales, events, marketing, basic book keeping and all other ways of being useful to the growing needs of the Trust.

We are on an ambitious path to increase the rate of publication, develop a strong educational outreach platform, and embed our maps in the communities of the towns we publish. Trustees are mainly senior academics and others committed to education and urban history and all have a passion for cartography. We currently have no employees

Cheer Squad Volunteer - London Marathon Sunday 26th April & London Landmarks Half Marathon Sunday 12th April. 

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

 As a charity, we are only able to help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to the donations we receive from generous members of the public. Fundraising events are a great source of income for the charity. As a Cheer Squad Volunteer, you will support Cats Protection’s event participants make it through their challenge by cheering them on at selected cheering points along event routes. You will also be instrumental in raising awareness and representing the charity.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Cheer on our event participants who are taking part to raise funds for Cats Protection.
• Waving hand flags
• Using inflatable ‘bangers’ to make noise
• Shake maraca’s
• High ‘paw’ participants
• Represent Cats Protection by wearing one of our branded high-vis vests (supplied).
• Set up cheer spots including attaching banners, putting together sail flags and blowing up balloons.
• Provide a smile, enthusiasm and motivation

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills, particularly in the field of fundraising
• To gain experience working as an important member of the team in the UK’s leading feline welfare charity
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping our event participants cross the finish line!
• We’ll provide all the information you need, including logistics and timings for the day; briefings on the day where applicable; contact details of key employees; and refreshments and breaks on the day

We’re looking for someone with

• Enthusiastic and positive attitude
• Reliable and adaptable
• Punctual and dependable
• Outgoing and friendly
• Happy to make some noise!
• Willing to support others
• Ability to stand for a long period of time

Locations

This role is based at various mass participation events across the UK where we set up Cats Protection cheer points.

Exact locations will be given after you have signed up however below are our current cheer points: 

1. London Marathon
2. London Landmarks Half Marathon

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.

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

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

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued.  The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Community Development Volunteer

Our Community Development Volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our Community Development Co-ordinator in a variety of ways.

As a Community Development Volunteer in England, you might:

• conduct online research
• contact local community groups to build relationships with them and understand their needs
• attend events to raise awareness or present our work
• engage with project participants on social media
• deliver promotional material in a variety of locations

Most volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.  Please note that there is very limited opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

We are particularly keen to build connections with marginalised communities in Manchester, and so ideally we are looking for volunteers who are already part of, or happy to get involved with, local groups

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services.  All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling. 

JOB PURPOSE:

This Role Transforms Volunteer Activity Into Structured, Ethical, High-Impact Operations

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our work is powered by people. Volunteer contribution is not just support, it is community, capacity and impact. The Volunteer Operations Analyst ensures that this contribution is organised, visible and aligned with the organisation’s mission, safeguarding responsibilities and growth.

You will play a key role in connecting people, systems and structure—ensuring that volunteer engagement is consistent, well-managed and sustainable as the C.I.C grows.

This is not a purely administrative role. It is insight-driven, systems-focused and central to how the organisation operates effectively behind the scenes.

This role exists to:

• Support the coordination and tracking of volunteer activity across teams

• Translate organisational needs into structured volunteer workflows

• Maintain and improve systems for onboarding, engagement and offboarding

• Monitor volunteer participation, capacity and gaps

• Support compliance with safeguarding and organisational policies

• Ensure consistency, documentation and scalability in volunteer operations

You are the link between volunteers, systems, operations and organisational visibility.

About the Role

To provide operational support, coordination and systems oversight for volunteer engagement across the organisation—ensuring that volunteers are effectively onboarded, supported, tracked and aligned with the C.I.C’s mission and safeguarding values.

Why This Role Matters

Strong volunteer operations:

• Ensure volunteers are supported, organised and able to contribute effectively

• Maintain safeguarding, compliance and ethical standards

• Create visibility of who is doing what across the organisation

• Build sustainable systems that reduce confusion and duplication

• Strengthen the organisation’s ability to grow and deliver impact

Without this role, volunteer engagement can become inconsistent, unclear and difficult to manage. With it, the organisation operates with clarity, structure and confidence—ensuring that every contribution is meaningful and well-supported.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in:

• Google Sheets / Microsoft Excel

• Data tracking and reporting tools

• Ability to organize and interpret large sets of data

Analytical Skills

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking ability

• Ability to identify patterns, trends and inefficiencies

• Detail-oriented with a structured approach to analysis

Communication Skills

• Ability to present data in a clear, concise and actionable format

• Strong written communication for reporting

Organisational Awareness

• Understanding of how teams and workflows interact

• Ability to think in systems, not just tasks

Preferred Background in:

• Operations 

• Business Administration

• Data Analysis or related fields

Preferred previous experience in:

• Operations analysis

• Project tracking

• Process improvement roles

• (Experience working in remote or volunteer-based organisations is an advantage)

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

Core Objectives:

• Provide clear visibility into operational performance across all teams

• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and process gaps

• Recommend practical, data-backed improvements

• Support leadership with structured reporting and insights

• Strengthen accountability and operational clarity across the organisation

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Tracking & Performance Monitoring

• Develop and maintain centralized tracking systems (e.g., Google Sheets)

• Monitor key operational metrics across departments, including:

• Volunteer recruitment and onboarding timelines

• Task completion rates across teams

• Program and project delivery timelines

• Ensure data is accurate, up-to-date and consistently maintained

2. Reporting & Insights

Prepare weekly or bi-weekly operational reports for leadership

• Clearly highlight:

• Performance trends

• Delays and inefficiencies

• Areas requiring attention

• Translate raw data into clear, actionable insights

3. Process Analysis & Mapping

Document and map existing workflows across functions (HR, Programs, Operations, Teams, etc.)

Identify:

• Bottlenecks

• Redundant steps

• Communication breakdowns

• Provide structured recommendations for process improvement

4. Risk Identification & Escalation

Proactively flag:

• Missed deadlines

• Workflow delays

• Inactive or unresponsive team members

• Escalate findings to the Operations Manager with supporting data and context

5. Systems & Process Optimization

Recommend improvements such as:

• Workflow restructuring

• Automation opportunities

• Standardized templates and tracking systems

• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems and suggest refinements

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• HR Team (for recruitment and onboarding tracking)

• Team Leads (for task and performance tracking)

• Operations Coordinator / Executive Assistants (for workflow visibility)

• Ensure alignment between data insights and operational execution

Scope and Boundaries for the role:

To ensure clarity and efficiency:

The Operations Analyst WILL:

• Analyze data and workflows

• Provide insights and recommendations

• Track and report performance metrics

The Operations Analyst WILL NOT:

• Manage or supervise team members

• Enforce task completion or chase individuals

• Schedule meetings or handle administrative coordination

• Make final operational decisions

Working Relationship:

The Operations Analyst will:

• Report directly to the Director of Central Operations & Executive Coordination

• Support decision-making but will not replace leadership authority

• Work collaboratively across all teams while maintaining objectivity and independence

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Accuracy and consistency of operational data

• Timeliness and quality of reports

• Clarity and usefulness of insights provided

• Number and impact of process improvements implemented

• Increased efficiency in key workflows (e.g., reduced onboarding time, improved task completion rates)

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

Within the first 60–90 days, the Operations Analyst should:

• Establish a centralized operations tracking system

• Deliver consistent and structured performance reports

• Identify at least 2–3 key operational inefficiencies with clear recommendations

• Provide leadership with improved visibility into organisational performance

Cancer support charity The Mulberry Centre, is looking for new volunteers with flexible availability to help us set up and run out stall at a variety of fun community fundraising & enagement events, mainly in West London - Hounslow, Richmond & Ealing area. Come and sell rafle tickets, inspire donations, hold a collection bucket, give out leaflets and engage with the public at our own events and at fetes, fairs and stadium days.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer roles currently available in Cheshire East

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer - role is in Cheshire West

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Make A Smile is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Safeguarding Officer to help us ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children, families, and volunteers we support across the UK. If you have safeguarding experience and want to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, this role offers the chance to help shape safe, joyful experiences for vulnerable children.

About the Role

The Safeguarding Officer plays a central role in maintaining high safeguarding standards across all Make A Smile Chapters. You will work closely with the Recruitment Manager to deliver high‑quality safeguarding training to volunteers, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and feel confident when working with children.

You will also lead on maintaining and updating our safeguarding policies, liaising with relevant organisations to ensure they remain comprehensive, compliant, and aligned with current legislation. A key part of the role involves supporting local officers to ensure all volunteers have an up‑to‑date DBS check before attending events.

As the charity’s central point of safeguarding expertise, you will provide guidance on concerns, advise on escalation routes, and help embed a strong safeguarding culture throughout the organisation.

What We Need You to Do

- Deliver safeguarding training to volunteers
- Maintain and update safeguarding policies
- Ensure DBS compliance across all Chapters
- Provide guidance on safeguarding concerns
- Promote best practice and support volunteers
- Liaise with external organisations and stay up‑to‑date with legislation

Qualities and Experience

We are looking for someone with:

- Proven safeguarding experience (charity, education, healthcare, or social care preferred)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A calm, supportive, and approachable manner
- The ability to coordinate processes across multiple teams
- Good judgement, discretion, and attention to detail
- A commitment to Make A Smile’s mission and values

How This Role Helps Make A Smile

The Safeguarding Officer ensures Make A Smile can operate safely, responsibly, and confidently. Your leadership protects children, supports volunteers, and strengthens trust with families and partners. By maintaining robust safeguarding processes, you enable us to continue delivering magical, meaningful experiences to vulnerable children across the UK.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers.

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

Our Mission

Brain tumours do not discriminate, and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly. We understand that taking on a fundraising challenge isn’t as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. Combine the physical challenge with an ambitious fundraising target, taking part for a charity close to your heart and finding time to train, the challenge can feel overwhelming. This is where our Motivational Caller volunteers play a vital role. By offering encouragement, reassurance and a listening ear, they empower fundraisers to reach their goals!

How can you help?

To ensure our fundraisers receive the best possible support, we like to give each of them a call ahead of their challenge event to wish them good luck and offer encouragement. With hundreds of fundraisers taking part, we rely on the support of our volunteers to help make these calls possible.

This is what your volunteer role will look like:

• The Events team will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you log into our telephone system from the comfort of your own home. This usually takes around 10 minutes and you’re very welcome to do this alongside a member of staff via a Teams call if you’d prefer extra support.

• You’ll receive a password-protected spreadsheet containing a list of fundraisers allocated to you. Calls can be made at a time that suits you, during the week or two leading up to each challenge event.

• We will provide you with all the information you need including a script to follow and frequently asked questions so that you feel confident to make calls to our fundraisers.

• After each call, you’ll simply update the spreadsheet with any key notes or feedback.

What impact will you have?

By calling our fundraisers, you’ll create a personal connection with members of our community and help them feel recognised, valued and supported for the incredible efforts they’re making. By helping fundraisers reach the start line feeling supported and inspired, you’ll play a vital role in maximising the funds raised for The Brain Tumour Charity, directly contributing to life-changing support services and vital research for the future.

We are looking for:

As part of our volunteer team you will be enthusiastic, friendly and willing to chat to our fundraisers about the event they are taking part in. We need you to have:

• Great verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• A friendly telephone manner
• General interest in The Charity and/or our fundraising events
• Access to the internet, preferable through a secure Wi-Fi source
• Basic IT skills, including using the Microsoft Authenticator App and Excel.
• Access to a laptop or computer (preferred)

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to develop your communication and listening skills through one-to-one conversations with our fundraisers.

• You’ll develop an understanding of how the Events team at The Charity operates.

• You’ll help the Events team raise more than £3.9 million a year, helping fund life-changing support and pioneering research.

Time commitment

We’ll need your help in the week or two leading up to each of our Challenge events throughout the year. The role is very ad-hoc and flexible, so you’ll be free to make the phone calls at a time to suit you within those weeks. Our busiest times of year are Spring and Autumn!

All phone calls will need to be carried out between 10am – 4pm on weekdays only. This is a remote role.

Practical considerations

You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. Volunteers must be over 18. The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with The Charity. Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the role early, so we’d encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

We are looking for our next Regional Finance Support/Treasurer to join the RDA North West Region’s committee. Are you:

1. Someone with excellent financial skills;
2. Interested in volunteering for a National Charity that provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment for disabled participants through horses;
3. Able to give around 2-3 hours a month; and
4. Ideally based in the North West (Cheshire/Merseyside/Lancashire/Greater Manchester)?

If you answer yes to the above, this may be the voluntary role for you.

RDA is a National Charity which operates with a vast network of volunteers (as well as staff at National Office) to give direction and support to RDA Groups throughout the UK who provide opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment for disabled participants through horses.Over 39,000 participants are supported a year.In addition to horse riding, and carriage driving, the charity offers other activities such as “Tea with a Pony” for those affected by dementia.There are 21 RDA groups in the North West Region, which are each independent charities federated to RDA.

Each Region has a Regional Committee formed of regional and county volunteers. Regional Committees help support the Groups with their RDA activities; promote the work of the RDA within their Region and play a vital role in organising the Regional Show and the Regional Conference.The Region funds its work from fundraising and donations.

One key role within the Regional Committee is the Regional Treasurer.The role, in the North West. is currently undertaken by a Cheshire based accountant who is looking to step down after nearly 10 years.

• The role takes around 2-3 hours a month and is not very onerous.
• Quarterly reports and budgets, for National Office, are prepared in conjunction with our Regional Chair (Sheila Saner).A finance report is also circulated to our Regional Committee before their quarterly (approx.) meetings.  Most meetings are on Zoom or MS Teams, so the role can be done remotely.
• There is a quarterly zoom meeting with the Finance Director, at National Office, who updates Regional Treasurers.The meeting lasts around an hour.
• You will be involved in any finance discussions with the Regional Committee, including any grants to be made to Groups from the Region’s funds.
• You will oversee investments held by the Region.
• The Finance Support/Treasurer pays any expenses to Regional Officers through Bankline (our Regional Chair then authorises them).There are only 10 Regional Officers. 

We are lucky to have a wonderful group of supportive volunteers on the Regional Committee and there is normally someone who will step up to assist if someone else can’t make a meeting or are struggling with other commitments.

Our current Regional Treasurer is happy to provide a full handover to the incoming Treasurer and answer any questions about the role.

Looking for a way to give back to your local community without a long-term commitment? Not sure exactly what you’d like to do, but know you want to help?

Sometimes we come across one-off community tasks that just need a few volunteers to give us a good old Yorkshire helping hand. We also know life can get very busy and people don’t always have time to commit to a regular volunteering role.

Being a Community Squad volunteer is a flexible way to get involved. You’ll find out when and where one-off tasks are happening near you, and you can choose to help whenever it suits. There’s no ongoing commitment, you’re in control.

As a Squad volunteer, you’ll regularly receive updates about opportunities across Yorkshire. There’s no obligation to sign up for any of them, but if something catches your eye, just put your name forward. We’ll send you all the details you need, and you simply turn up on the day!

Tasks vary widely, so there’s something for everyone. You might help at a community clean-up, plant spring bulbs, hand out leaflets, put out grit or clear a path when it’s snowed for a neighbour. Or you could be handing out popcorn at a cinema event, making cups of tea at a social club, supporting someone with their digital devices, creating glitter tattoos at a children’s event, or writing letters to customers who are isolated.

There will be lots of varied things to help with!

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity running smoothly across the UK, acting “in the best interests of Make a Smile” and ensuring volunteers are well‑trained, supported, and empowered.

About the Role

The Sign Language Officer leads Make A Smile’s British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton training programme, ensuring volunteers gain the communication skills needed to create magical, inclusive interactions at events. You will oversee teachers, develop engaging lesson plans, and ensure volunteers progress through training effectively.

Key Responsibilities

You will play a central role in developing and delivering high‑quality sign language training. Responsibilities include:

● Overseeing BSL and Makaton teachers and supporting them in running weekly sessions.

● Recruiting suitable teachers or supporting new teachers to develop their skills to the required level.

● Ensuring the charity can offer training at multiple levels (Beginners, Improvers, Novice, Intermediate) for both BSL and Makaton.

● Reviewing and approving lesson plans, ensuring content focuses on vocabulary and phrases useful for Make A Smile events.

● Managing volunteer applications for training, selecting participants based on commitment and likelihood of attending events.

● Supporting weekly sessions by ensuring attendance is taken, volunteers are engaged, and teachers have the resources they need.

● Stepping in to run a session or arranging cover if a teacher is unavailable.

● Monitoring volunteer engagement and removing volunteers from the programme if attendance or participation is consistently poor.

● Ensuring asynchronous training materials on the dashboard remain relevant and accessible.

● Reporting on training progress, volunteer engagement, and teacher needs at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone organised, supportive, and passionate about inclusive communication. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong organisational and coordination skills.

● Confidence in supporting and guiding teachers.

● Creativity in helping shape engaging, event‑focused lesson plans.

● A proactive, solution‑focused mindset. 

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Show dedication… Enjoy it!”).

● An interest in BSL or Makaton (you do not need to be fluent - teachers deliver the content).

Time Commitment

Sign Language Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including supporting teachers, reviewing lesson plans, managing training groups, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).

● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.

● Access to existing lesson plans, training materials, and templates.

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Experience managing a training programme within a national charity.

● Skills in coordination, leadership, and inclusive communication.

● The chance to shape how volunteers interact with children who use BSL or Makaton.

● A meaningful role that directly enhances the accessibility and impact of Make A Smile events.

● The joy of helping volunteers develop skills that create magical, inclusive moments for children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Sign Language Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send a CV along with a short message outlining your experience, interest in sign language, and why you’d like to support Make A Smile’s training programme.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.