Activity volunteer roles in alum rock, west midlands

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking a Community Fundraising Group Co-ordinator to join their UK team to develop their ‘I love Hiking and Dogs UK’ fundraising initiative. From developing impactful social media content to managing our ‘Walk for Paws’ events, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

As we look to further strengthen the depth and diversity of thought, experience and skills on the Corporation board, we are seeking to appoint new governors to support and steer the college on its journey to become exceptional.

No qualifications or previous governance experience are required – the most important thing is that you believe in the college’s values of inclusion, care, ambition and respect and are passionate about making a positive impact. All new governors are supported by our Director of Governance with a comprehensive induction programme and an ongoing development programme thereafter.

Supported by our Director of Governance, governors:

• Set the strategic direction of the college and review progress in delivering the strategic plan
• Review and monitor the implementation key college strategies and policies
• Hold senior leaders to account for the use of college resources and outcomes for learners
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and the Corporation’s own governing documents
• Consider and approve strategic developments and projects work collaboratively across the Corporation, contributing and applying their skills and expertise accordingly

We ask our governors to commit to a 12-month term of office in the first instance, followed by a further three years if approved by the Corporation. 

The country’s only dedicated ancient tree charity, the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF), is looking for a new Trustee with Fundraising Experience.

About us – The ATF seeks to secure the long-term future of ancient trees through advocacy of no further avoidable loss, good management, and the development of a succession of future ancient trees. The ATF is needed now more than ever – this is a critical time for ancient trees, the habitats they support and the landscapes in which they can survive and flourish. Their protection is crucial, not least because these living monuments represent a globally important resource, for biodiversity, cultural connection, mental & physical health, carbon capture, and soil conservation.

The profile of the ATF continues to grow, and its expertise is sought at the highest level. We raise awareness and understanding of the value and importance of ancient and veteran trees to biodiversity, soils, landscape, heritage, and climate. We work with a mix of national charities, landowners, land managers, local authorities, and policy makers in national government and offer specialist training, advice, guidance, and outreach projects. 

What we’re looking for – Do you have the ability, empathy and commitment to make a major contribution to the protection of the oldest trees in the country, and all their associated wildlife, history and carbon impact? 

Are you an experienced fundraiser from the environmental or wider charitable sector? 

If so, we encourage you to consider applying. 

If you also understand current ancient and veteran tree-related challenges and issues this would be an advantage, although a background in the wider environment sector and in charities at a relevant level is more important. 

Use your financial skills to shape the future of student representation and social impact across the UK.

We’re seeking up to three Finance Committee Members to join the National Union of Students (NUS UK & NUS Charity) and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial health of one of the UK’s most influential student-led organisations.

As a Finance Committee Member, you’ll be part of a dedicated oversight group responsible for scrutinising management accounts, budgets, and risk management processes. Your expertise will help ensure robust financial controls, guide long-term planning, and support sound governance—directly contributing to the sustainability of NUS’s vital advocacy and support for over 7 million students nationwide.

This voluntary role is ideal for finance, audit, or accounting professionals who want to make a meaningful difference beyond their day job. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or looking for your first governance opportunity, you’ll receive a full induction and ongoing support in a collaborative, values-driven environment.

You’ll attend 4–6 remote meetings per year, with all reasonable expenses covered. In return, you’ll gain or deepen your board-level experience, contribute to the financial strategy of a major national body, and help sustain the student movement’s legacy of social justice and positive change.

If you’re passionate about good governance and want to use your skills for a cause that matters, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by 12 June 2025 to join NUS in championing the student voice and driving real impact across the UK.

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

At WWT, we are on a mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power. Taking direct action to bring wetlands back to life and inspiring and empowering everyone to do just the same.

We are looking for 2 volunteers to join our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARCom) as co-opted members.

Effective governance is vital in making sure we harness our resources to achieve our strategy. Our Council of Trustees are responsible for overseeing our strategic direction and managing our finances, resources and risk.

The FARCom plays a crucial role in supporting trustees to do this. As a co-opted committee member, you will bring your specialist skills and knowledge to bear, helping to ensure short and long term viability for the charity. Co-opted members are not trustees, but play a crucial role in enabling good governance.

Online interviews will take place during the week of the 23rd June (if you have restricted availability that week, please make a note of this in your application – we will accommodate requirements where possible).

We are seeking a trustee with a finance and/or accounting background who will work with the Board of Trustees and Management to ensure the charity's financial viability.  There is also a more ‘hands-on’ function managing the charity’s investments and cash deposits. 

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation’s finances, ensuring financial viability, advising and guiding on financial requirements and best practice and providing advice, assistance and information to Trustees (Committee Members) on their financial stewardship responsibilities. 

Sembeza Africa

Sembeza Africa provides Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that empower youth and communities in Uganda, integrating sports with education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Uganda’s youth face significant barriers, including limited access to quality education, early pregnancies, and a lack of inclusive opportunities for physical and personal development. With over 75% of the population under the age of 30, Uganda needs initiatives that address these challenges holistically. Physical education in many schools remains underdeveloped, leaving children without the critical skills for leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Furthermore, environmental degradation threatens the communities we serve, and gender inequality continues to limit opportunities for girls to participate in sports and education.

Sembeza Africa focuses on delivering Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that promote physical activity as a foundation for learning and life skills. By integrating sports into education, we empower youth to build confidence, develop leadership abilities, and foster inclusivity. Our programs also incorporate elements of Traditional African Sports and Games (TASG) to preserve cultural heritage while making physical education more engaging. Through structured QPE initiatives, we address critical issues such as gender equality, environmental stewardship, and access to education, aligning our work with Uganda’s national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Thank you for considering joining our team! At Sembeza Africa, we are a small group of passionate individuals who dedicate our time to creating meaningful change in Uganda. Each of us is either working full-time or studying full-time, but our shared commitment to empowering youth through Quality Physical Education and sustainable development drives everything we do.

We know we can’t do this alone. That’s why your support means so much to us. Whether it’s helping with planning, fundraising, outreach, or any other task, every bit of assistance makes a huge difference. Together, we can accomplish so much more than we ever could alone.

Each year, we travel to Uganda to host the Ubuntu Sports Festival, an inspiring event that brings communities together through sports, education, and cultural celebration. As part of our team, you’ll not only be contributing to this life-changing work but also be invited to join us in Uganda for the festival. It’s an unforgettable experience and a chance to see the impact of our work firsthand.

We deeply appreciate your time, energy, and willingness to be part of this journey with us. Together, we can create lasting change and empower the next generation in Uganda.

Copywriter

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Sembeza Africa uses the power of sports to improve health, education, community development, and environmental sustainability across Uganda. As a Volunteer Copywriter, you’ll create clear, engaging blog posts, social media updates, newsletters, and impact stories that show exactly how our programs change lives. This remote, flexible role demands a proactive, can-do attitude—you’ll spot opportunities for fresh content, tackle challenges head-on, and keep projects moving forward. Strong problem-solving skills are a must, as you’ll adapt messaging to different audiences and find creative ways to highlight our work. Your creative writing talents will bring our success stories and grant proposals to life, helping us connect with donors and secure vital funding. You’ll collaborate closely with our communications team to maintain a consistent, authentic brand voice and optimize every piece of content for maximum reach. Excellent writing and editing skills, plus keen attention to detail, will ensure every sentence is polished and persuasive. If you’re passionate about nonprofits, love crafting stories, and thrive in a self-motivated environment, this role is for you.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Job description

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Quilombo UK is looking for Legal Assistant, who would love to join a growing organization. Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society as a whole.

Quilombo UK is looking to recruit a Legal Assistant who helps organization in various legal matters.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'. The role provides you flexibility and autonomy at work. This will further help you to develop your professional development programme (PDP). Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• We are looking for an experienced lawyer to assist the organisation in overlooking projects, ensuring they are compliant with relevant and up to date legislation and regulations.
• The legal assistant will be responsible for making sure all contracts, legislations and documents are treated within correct legal standards. They are to make sure that all activities are being performed in line with contracts and the law.
• The Legal Assistant will work closely with the HR department in overlooking the volunteer forms, legislations and documents. They should also assist the different departments within the organisation(Marketing, Funding, HR, Finance) in upholding the legal requirements needed to run the tasks that they do.
• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• Well-organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Excellent researching skills
• Reading and report writing skills
• You will need to be an experienced lawyer or have a good legal understanding.
• You will be respectful of the confidentiality of the organisation.
• You will need to help deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organisation.
• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.
• Good time-management & communication skills.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Can work without much supervision

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday to Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Legal Secretary: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Position: Chair of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for Self Help UK’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation, and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and currently meet virtually every 6 weeks.

Chair Responsibilities: The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

Strategy and Governance

• Ensuring that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration, and approval of the organisational strategy in support of the charity’s mission and values.

• With Trustees, ensuring that the charity operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives

• Safeguarding the interests of the charity’s beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests • Maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.

• Ensuring that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver the charity’s aims.

• Ensuring the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.

• Maintaining compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.

• Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.

• Ensuring a high-performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees).

Guidance and support to the Chief Executive

• Appointment of the Chief Executive and approval of Chief Executive’s salary with the Trustees.

• Line management of and work in partnership with the Chief Executive to support them in achieving the aims of the charity.

• Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.

Financial

• Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight, including review and approval of the annual budget

• Oversight of high standards of financial management

Advocacy and fundraising

• Using personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters, including governments, international bodies, corporations, trusts and foundations, NGOs, and individuals.

• Advise and assist in raising and maintaining the charity’s profile in the UK and internationally.

Lead Board Meetings:

• Lead all aspects of meeting management.

• Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.

Remuneration: Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

Time Commitment: Estimated at 2 days per month, but some flexibility and the ability to offer more time on occasion are required.

Standard commitments include:

• Attending Board meetings every 6 weeks. Currently, meetings are held via Zoom

• Attendance at subcommittee meetings as necessary

• Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.

• Attending, as a minimum, an annual half-day strategy session and other face-to-face events as required.

Qualities of a Chair

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims, and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. • Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.

• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.

• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.

• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

This is an exciting new role, the purpose of which is to gather feedback from both clients and stakeholder to assess the broader impact of our work.

We are looking for a volunteer to undertake follow up phone calls to clients, this might be after an intervention with them or at intervals after closure. To ensure we a complaint with GDPR, we record consent, and this is stored on our inhouse Client database CRM. 

The volunteer will be provided with a list of questions to ask to gather feedback and would be expected to detail the responses. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Birmingham, 38 The Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA 

Supervised by: Birmingham Volunteer Coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Client and Stakeholder Feedback Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s and providing updates on client's experiences. Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Make follow-up phone calls to stakeholder and clients after they have accessed our services to gather feedback from them. 

• Ask set questions when speaking with stakeholders and clients to see if and how advice has made a difference to them and record their responses. 

• Assessing and adding in quantitative and qualitative data to our client database (CRM). 

• Present the responses in an accessible format e.g. using Word or Excel. 

• Identify key findings and/or trends and discuss with relevant team member(s) 

• Provide insight into improvements for the activities involved 

Skills and experience required 

The aim of the post is to gather information and feedback regarding the service we offer and the impact this has made. Therefore, we are looking for somebody who is:

• Comfortable interacting with stakeholders in person and over the telephone 

• Is considerate of tone and language during interactions. 

• Has good listening skills. 

• Has strong written skills and the ability to take detailed and accurate notes of the discussion whilst on the telephone or in person. 

• Has good IT skills, including experience using MS Office software such as Excel and Forms. 

• Is resilient to potentially challenging conversations, while understanding the boundaries of the role. 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

This role will allow us to see the effects of the housing advice and workshop delivery received by clients and professionals and if there are any additional impacts such as increased sense of stability or more confidence in their rights. 

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the households we assist. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Trustee

Be part of an organisation that envisions a fairer, more sustainable society where partnerships between business and charity unlock the potential of people and organisations to ignite lasting social impact. As some of our current Trustees come to the end of their term, we are looking to appoint up to four new Trustees to bring fresh insight and experience to our board.

Position: Trustee

Activity: Four Quarterly Trustee meetings and participation in one sub-committee

Location: meetings are online, with 2 meetings a year in person, typically in London (we welcome applications from all areas of the country)

Time Commitment: Up to two days per month, with the option of a further half day involvement in direct charity projects through the Pilotlight 360 programme

Contract: 3-year term, with potential for renewal

Closing Date: 5pm, Friday 6 June

Interview Date: 25th and 27th June

About the Role

We are a charity built on the simple but powerful idea that when people share skills across sectors, everyone benefits. We create partnerships that spark ideas, unlock potential, and deliver lasting impact - business leaders learn new perspectives; charities build their capacity; communities feel the difference.

Our Trustees are at the heart of this - offering guidance, sharing insights, and championing a culture of learning and collaboration. We are looking to recruit four trustees to join our current team of Directors. 

We’re particularly looking for skills in the following areas:

· Marketing in a Business-to-Business Context – helping us tell our story and engage with corporate partners.

· HR / People – supporting our ambitions to be a great place to work and to embed equity and wellbeing in all we do.

· Commercial Finance – contributing financial expertise as we plan and invest for sustainable impact.

· Digital / AI – bringing insight into how technology can enhance our programmes and internal capability.

About You

You believe in the power of partnerships and the value of shared learning. You’re willing to contribute your skills to a purpose-driven organisation that’s ambitious for change.

You don’t need previous board experience, we’ll provide an induction and ongoing support. What we’re really looking for is curiosity, a collaborative mind-set, and a commitment to our mission and values.

We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and are especially keen to hear from people who are currently underrepresented on charity boards, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of social or economic exclusion.

About Pilotlight

Pilotlight is where business expertise meets charity ambition. We connect people across sectors to create real-world learning, stronger organisations, and greater social impact. We design and deliver bespoke programmes that bring businesses and charities together to solve challenges, unlock potential, and build skills – on both sides. We carefully match skills with ambition. We create collaborative teams of business experts and charity leaders. We guide shared learning and development through real-world, purpose-driven experiences that deliver lasting results.

In 2024, Pilotlight worked with 1,259 business participants on 162 projects, delivering support to 142 unique charities. In turn, these charities support over 11 million people. Our mission is to facilitate and promote the sharing of professional skills to promote learning and enable charities to help more people.

If you’re ready to use your skills to help others grow, and to grow yourself along the way, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Non-Executive Director, HR Director, Finance Business Partner, Marketing Strategist, Chief People Officer, Technology Lead, Digital Transformation Manager, Equity & Inclusion Advisor, Head of Marketing, HR Director, Head of HR, Finance Director, CFO, COO, CEO, etc.

Position Overview:
The Programme Lead oversees the strategic delivery of a multi-project programme focused on enhancing employability and skills development for target populations. This role ensures alignment with organisational and community goals, driving initiatives that reduce skills gaps, improve workforce readiness, and foster partnerships with employers and training providers. Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Programme Lead manages a team of project specialists and coordinators, ensuring seamless execution of programme activities and measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Leadership:

   • Lead the end-to-end employability and skills development programme delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

   • Mentor and manage project specialists and coordinators, assigning tasks tied to programme milestones such as training workshops, employer partnerships, and participant assessments.

2. Stakeholder Collaboration:

   • Build and maintain relationships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organisations to align programme outcomes with labour market needs.

   • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring their requirements (e.g., hiring criteria, certification standards) are integrated into programme design.

3. Programme Design & Delivery:

   • Oversee the development of training curricula, mentorship initiatives, and job placement strategies tailored to diverse participant groups (e.g., youth, career changers).

   • Monitor participant progress and employment outcomes, using data to refine programme effectiveness.

4. Risk & Compliance Management:

   • Identify barriers to participant success (e.g., accessibility, resource gaps) and escalate systemic challenges to the Programme Manager with actionable solutions.

1. Reporting & Communication:

   • Track and report on key metrics such as participant engagement, skill acquisition rates, and post-programme employment status.

   • Prepare updates for senior leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate programme impact.

2. Process Improvement:

   • Implement feedback loops with participants and partners to continuously enhance programme quality.

   • Promote best practices in adult education, vocational training, and equity-focused initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 3–5 years managing employability, workforce development, or adult education programmes.

  • Proven experience leading teams and collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of labour market trends and barriers to employment.

  • Ability to design inclusive, participant-centric programmes.

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, CRM systems) and project management software.

  • Exceptional communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.

• Certifications: Certifications in programme management (e.g., PgMP), career coaching, or adult education are advantageous.
  
   

  The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

  QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures and the charity has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998. We provide support to men between the ages of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their community for up to 12 months.

In the West Midlands, services are delivered near Wolverhampton at HMPYOI Brinsford. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can spare half a day per week to support young men to change their life by acting as an inspirational role model and helping with goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week; allowing enough time for travel and liaising with Trailblazers staff will take about half a day.

Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his own community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and to give a person a sense of hope for the future. As a charity we are reliant on volunteers; with your help we can continue to support people in prison to make and change to their lives, their family and wider society. We welcome all skill sets within Trailblazers as we work with a diverse group of men, all we ask if you have a genuine passion for social change and that you can commit to at least 1 young man for up to 12 months, so they have a consistent person in their life - something that some of our mentees have never had. The national average re-offending rate for a person leaving prison is up to 55%, the rate for those who have a Trailblazers mentor is lowered to 9%. 

We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, underrepresented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. More information and the application form can be found on the website. 

Role activities:

• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.

• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.

• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.

• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.

• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.

• To report safeguarding concerns immediately.

• To follow relevant policies and procedures. 

• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation.

• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees.

• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions. 

• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements.

• Support the mentee to meet identified goals.

• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor.

• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 12 months.

• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee. 

Skills/behaviours/knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given. 

• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others. 

• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff. 

• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense. 

• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills. 

• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee. 

• Basic IT skills. 

• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff. 

Criteria: 

• Over 21. 

• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself. 

• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself. 

• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs 

• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen.     

• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. 

• Live within a 30-mile radius from the prison at which you would like to volunteer.