Administration support volunteer volunteer roles

JOB DESCRIPTION

The National Institute for African Studies (NIAS) is a London-based think tank that provides objective information on African affairs, looking to appoint a Research & Publishing Intern within its office in South West, London. Our main publication, The Saharan is an interdisciplinary journal published by NIAS aimed at exploring the dynamic relationship between culture and development in Africa/UK.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

- Support the editors in the sourcing & production of blog and journal publications

- Checking material for completeness, copy-edit and check appropriate non-technical material such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter updates

- Generate, check and correct files with names, contact information, number of articles, review assessments, and consent forms.

- Serve as a custodian of approved originals of all documentation produced for The Saharan journal

- Use NIAS LinkedIn account to connect to academics and groups to promote the journal, acquire papers, and attract skilled scholars to become reviewers

- Coordinate the publication flow of the journal and all stages of the editorial processes upon the release of each issue

- Review and adjust publications according to the style of the journal, ensuring the correct usage of references and plagiarism checking

- Update wordpress website and a range of social media accounts with news, updates and promotions

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST:

- Have a minimum of undergraduate degree

- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications

- Good knowledge of wordpress, crm, social media tools

- Demonstrate excellent editorial and administrative skills together with high attention to detail

- Ability to work under pressure to tight schedules and deadlines

TO APPLY:

- CV

- Covering Letter

- Official transcript(s) of universities attended

- Contact information for two referees (email and telephone preferably from both universities and workplaces)

The position is based in London, UK. Only candidates who already possess the right to work in the UK should apply. The contract is for three months with a probation period of six weeks, extendable upon agreement and contingent on a continued volunteer/paid position.

Candidates should send a covering letter explaining the skills they would offer to NIAS, attaching a CV and a list of referees. The deadline for this round of application is 30 April. Due to the high number of applicants, only those selected will be contacted.

Flexible Working Options Available:

• Flexitime
• Work from home/university
• Part-time

Job Types: Volunteer, Internship

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses, Flexitime
• Support with relevant training
• Career Mentorship
• Sponsored attendance/Presentation at cultural events, conferences, seminars

Education:

•  BSc. and equivalent or higher (required)

Experience:

• Publishing: 1 year (preferred)
• Research 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

About IRMO

IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change. Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People - and a cross-cutting area - Advocacy, Research, Policy Mapping and Campaigning. 

About our Education, Training and Employment Programme

Our comprehensive Education, Training and Employment (ETE) programme runs various activities to improve our beneficiaries' social and cultural integration in the UK. These activities include 12-week English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for adults and online conversation classes. 

We also deliver one-to-one employment support, mentoring, vocational training, and workshops on a range of topics to support the Latin American community in navigating the UK system. Additionally, our volunteer scheme provides volunteers with valuable work experience to enter London’s competitive job market. As well as being integral to the smooth running of our organisation, the scheme helps volunteers to develop their skills by working in a multicultural, collaborative and inspiring environment.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated ESOL Teaching Assistant to support the smooth delivery of our ESOL classes at Pre-Entry and Entry 1 levels for Latin American migrants and refugees. You will assist the ESOL Teacher with classroom delivery following our pre-prepared syllabus and teaching materials, along with a variety of audio-visual aids to improve learners’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English.

As an ESOL Teaching Assistant, you will encourage learners to communicate using the structures and vocabulary they have learnt, with a strong emphasis on dialogue and role-playing, alongside more formal exercises and language games.

We are seeking a volunteer holding either a formal teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA, CertESOL or similar) or prior experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages. 

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Support with the planning, preparation and delivery of high-quality ESOL lessons in a community setting

• Mark and provide appropriate feedback on oral and written work

• Guide the class according to the syllabus and learning outcomes as instructed

• Ensure learners participation during class and monitor attendance

• Create a safe and inclusive learning environment, identify gaps and adapt activities to learners’ needs

• Provide one-to-one learner support in class as required, to ensure needs relating to learning difficulties and disabilities are met

• Prepare and set exercises, materials and examination papers as necessary

• Undertake administrative tasks, such as keeping student registers and attendance records

• Provide logistical support with arranging the room, setting out refreshments and class tidy upContribute towards outcome and impact measurement for learners at the end of each term

We are looking for

• A recognised ESOL qualification, such as those listed on the TESOL website, is essential (e.g. TEFL or CELTA) or equivalent experience

• Verbal and written communication skills in English and either Spanish and/or Portuguese

• A flexible and enthusiastic person who is confident working in a multicultural and multilingual environment

• An empathetic approach to working with beneficiaries whose needs may vary or change over time

• Ability to work resourcefully and in collaboration with others

• Good IT skills, including in using Microsoft and Google suite packages, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases

• Good interpersonal and communication skills with attention to detail

• A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental manner

• Knowledge of how to deal with sensitive and confidential information

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to CRM systems

• Committed to IRMO's mission, vision and values

Additional requirements

• Two references from current/previous employers

• Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO)

• Safeguarding Level 1 certificate (completed through IRMO)

• One month trial period

Benefits of volunteering at IRMO

• You will get the opportunity to help others and to give back

• You will learn new skills and gain experience working in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment

• You will contribute to the Latin American Community and increase your knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK

• You will gain valuable experience and strengthen previous skills to help prepare yourself for the UK’s competitive job market

• You will enhance your CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further support with employability

• You will have the opportunity to participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role

• You will receive regular supervision and support

At IRMO, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively encourage applications from individuals with protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age. 

We particularly invite Latin Americans, those who identify as members of underrepresented and marginalised communities, and individuals with lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, to reflect the community we serve. 

We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility in our recruitment process and volunteer opportunities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know, and we will make necessary accommodations.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Chair of Trustees at Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job summary: 

We're looking for a Chair of Trustees to help shape the strategic vision of WTRRP as we move forward into our 25th year as a charity. This would be someone to support us with our strategy in line with our mission and our values. In this role, you will lead the Committee and other Trustees co-chairs of the charity, share responsibility for the agenda and actions of Trustee meetings and AGM, improving good governance and acting as a senior ambassador of the organisation. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, availability and leadership skills to work collaboratively with our small staff and our volunteers.

WTRRP exists to support asylum seekers and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers who do not yet have settled status in the UK or may have specific needs relating to their application process or welfare. The main services of the charity are a drop-in session and social hub every Tuesday (at St Mary’s Church in central Watford), ESOL classes, providing advice and financial support to its clients and assisting them to integrate into the local community.

The Partnership has grown dramatically over the past 5 years, which is why we are looking for a Chair to join us. WTRRP is run by a committee that meets typically every 1-2 months and it also provides supervision to our 3 staff members and support to our 70 volunteers.

We would welcome applicants with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous Committee experience
• Business development and charitable fundraising
• Human resources and people management
• Lived experience of being a Refugee or Migrant
• Financial background

Principal responsibilities:

1. Be part of the Committee, supporting the organisation as it grows and develops.
2. Have availability to regularly attend the Tuesday hub/drop-in at St. Marys church from 11- 2pm to support the team.
3. Oversee the administration and coordination of sub-committees.
4. Serve as line manager to our Operations Manager, helping to conduct planned supervision and appraisals.
5. Represent the Partnership as required to the public or external parties such as funders and Community groups.

This is an important role that will support the charity as we adapt and change. If you feel that you may have some of the skills we are looking for and want to have an initial chat with our chair, then please contact us.

OVERALL PURPOSE

Overall Responsibility for Co-ordinating the service delivery and impact measurement of a chosen WFRC Project on a day-to-day basis.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be instrumental in the growth and development of a fast-growing women & children’s charity. We are looking for someone to be an integral part of our team by ‘masterminding’ all aspects of running a chosen community project.

With your positive approach, you will enjoy working proactively and have the ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond to the day to day needs of the programme. You will be a confident communicator with the ability to build rapport and get conversations going with a wide range of people. You will lead and coordinate a team of volunteers in the implementation and provision of a responsive, high quality and service user-focused project. Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role, however, volunteer expenses will be covered for the right candidate.

 OPERATIONAL TASKS

Project Implementation & Delivery:

· Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.

· Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations to guide project execution.

· Lead project team and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members.

· Assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure that project milestones and deadlines are met.

· Identify potential risks and obstacles to project success and develop mitigation strategies.

· Coordinate the allocation of resources, including budget, personnel, and materials, to support project activities.

· Optimise resource utilisation and identify opportunities for cost savings or efficiencies.

· Communicate project status, updates, and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.

· Establish and implement quality assurance processes to ensure that project deliverables meet established standards and requirements.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including project plans, schedules, budgets, and reports.

· Prepare and present project status reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.

 Volunteer Management:

®  To oversee recruitment, induction and training of all new project volunteers.

®  To supervise, performance manage, appraise and support the professional development of project volunteers.

®  To communicate regularly with volunteers via phone, emails, and other means of communication.

®  To manage and authorize volunteer expenses.

®  To recognize and appreciate volunteers’ efforts.

Evaluation, Monitoring & Performance:

® To set up monitoring and evaluation systems and ensure volunteer compliance.

® To produce quarterly and ad hoc performance reports.

® To monitor performance regularly, taking action where under-performance is identified in liaison with management.

Personnel & Training & Communication:

® To identify training needs and undertake "in-house" and external training as requested and approved by line manager.

® To develop one’s own professional growth with input from line manager.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Essential Skills & Experience:

· Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.

· Excellent written & verbal communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.

· Experience in the non-profit sector or with social impact projects is preferred but not required.

· Strong office administration skills, with experience in overseeing office operations.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).

Volunteer HR Recruitment Assistant

Location: Remote

Commitment: Approx. 12 hours per week (Flexible arrangement)

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a Kingston-based social justice and community enterprise dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices across diverse communities.

We partner with local organisations to deliver training, workshops, and research that challenge preconceptions around race, stereotyping, and unconscious bias. To learn more about our work, explore our website and YouTube channel.

About the Role

Join our team as a Volunteer HR & Recruitment Assistant and play a key role in supporting our non-profit mission. Sitting within our Human Resources function, you will assist with the end-to-end volunteer recruitment process—helping us attract passionate individuals to support our core projects.

This volunteer opportunity is ideal for HR students, career changers, or experienced professionals looking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful cause while building practical recruitment experience in the social impact sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing & Outreach: Assist hiring leads with identifying volunteer staffing needs and posting role descriptions across relevant platforms.

• Candidate Engagement: Conduct initial screening discussions to evaluate candidate interest, alignment with our core values, and overall fit.

• Pipeline Management: Help build and maintain candidate records, keeping applicants informed and supported throughout the recruitment journey.

• Onboarding & Administration: Support the HR team in scheduling interviews, maintaining up-to-date volunteer records, and ensuring recruitment processes remain inclusive and compliant with equal opportunity standards.

What We Are Looking For

• An interest in or prior exposure to HR, recruitment, or talent acquisition.

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with a welcoming, professional manner.

• Basic familiarity with standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to handle confidential information respectfully.

• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What We Offer

• Professional Development: Gain practical experience in recruitment and broader HR workflows, with access to structured learning pathways through our Professional Development Programme (ePDP).

• Skills Enhancement: The opportunity for CV and profile review support provided by our internal Learning & Development team.

• Inclusive Environment: A collaborative, flexible team culture that values diversity, innovation, and community impact.

Programme Details

This role is offered as an unpaid volunteer placement within the Quilombo UK Professional Development Programme. The is commitment 12 hours per week (flexible across Monday to Friday) over a 16-week period to get the most out of the experience.

Quilombo UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all. We strictly adhere to the Equality Act 2010 principles and maintain zero tolerance for discrimination.

Volunteer Opportunity – Join the KA Radio Team!

Are you passionate about music, radio, and entertainment? KA Radio is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us grow our online radio station.

As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in online broadcasting, work with a friendly remote team, and develop valuable skills in communication, media, and teamwork.

We’re looking for people who are:

• Passionate about music and radio.

• Reliable, friendly, and willing to learn.

• Able to work well as part of a remote team.

Roles:

• Radio Presenter/DJ

• News Reader

• Social Media Assistant

• Content Creator

• Events & Promotions Support

• Marketing Assistant

• Website Support

• Technical Support

• Station Administrator

• General Station Support

• …and much more!

What you’ll gain:

• Hands-on experience in online radio broadcasting.

• Training and support from the KA Radio team.

• A chance to build your confidence and communication skills.

• Experience that can strengthen your CV or college applications.

• The opportunity to be part of a growing online radio station.

Please note that this is a volunteer position and is unpaid. We’re looking for people who enjoy radio and want to be part of an exciting community while gaining valuable experience.

Apply today and become part of the KA Radio family—we’d love to hear from you!

Love to read? Know your classics? Up on the latest bestsellers? We are looking for people that love books - fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary - to help us select, research, prepare, photograph and list our eclectic stock for sale on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. During these uncertain times Oxfam’s work to tackle global poverty is more vital (and more challenging) than ever before. Can you put your book expertise to use to help us raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

What you can do at the shop:

· Stock selection to help us match our listings with our customers’ interests

· Researching rare and valuable books

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs. Our shop only sells online and we are not open to the public, so if are interested in gaining ecommerce experience but would value a quieter, relaxed working environment, you will love it here!

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling books online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and wanting to make a difference to the lives of cats and kittens in the York area? Join us as a Foster Coordinator to support the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of cats and kittens. 

Role overview:

As the Volunteer Foster Coordinator, you will play a vital role in managing our foster program for cats in our care. This position is essential for ensuring that our cats are placed in loving, temporary homes while they await adoption. You will collaborate closely with foster carers, potential adopters, and other volunteers to create a supportive environment that benefits both the cats and their fosters.

Key responsibilities:

• Foster management: Oversee the onboarding and ongoing support of foster carers.

• Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for foster carers, addressing any questions or concerns and providing necessary updates. Communication will primarily occur through email and messaging platforms, access to facebook and Whatapp is essential.

• Training and support: Provide guidance and resources to foster carers on cat care, behaviour, and best practices to ensure the well-being of the cats in their care and ensuring our policies and procedures are upheld.

• Record keeping: Maintain organised and accurate records of foster placements, including intake forms, health updates, and feedback from foster homes.

• Coordination of resources: Ensure that foster homes have the necessary supplies (food, litter, etc.) and access to veterinary care as needed.

• Post-Foster follow-up: Check in with fosterers to gather feedback and facilitate any transitions to permanent homes, ensuring a smooth process for both the cats and their fosters.

What we’re looking for:

• Passion for animal welfare: A strong commitment to the well-being of cats and a desire to support their journey to permanent homes.

• Excellent communication skills: Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with foster carers and the volunteer team.

• Organisational skills: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple foster placements simultaneously.

• Computer proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and communication platforms such as email and social media.

• Previous experience in animal rescue: Preferred but not essential; a willingness to learn and grow in this role is important. It is essential, however, to have experience and knowledge of cat health and behaviour.

Why Join us?

• Make a difference: Play a crucial role in the lives of cats and their foster families.

• Gain experience: Develop valuable skills in animal rescue and foster care management.

• Community support: Become part of a dedicated team of animal lovers and advocates.

• Ongoing training & development: Receive support and guidance from experienced volunteers and trustees.

Job description:

"We are looking for 10 volunteers to join our volunteer human resource programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field. While we only have 10 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

About the Volunteer Programme:

The HR Programme Coordinator plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our flagship professional development initiative. This volunteering role is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of the HR programme, ensuring seamless coordination between participants, Heads of Department (HoDs), and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will combine exceptional organizational skills with a passion for fostering professional growth, ensuring participants remain engaged and supported throughout their development journey.

Key Responsibilities of the sucessful volunteer:

Programme Management

• Oversee the effective implementation of the HR programme, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Welcome participants to the programme, providing orientation materials and clarifying expectations.

Participant Support & Progress Tracking

• Conduct initial skills assessments to identify individual development needs.
• Monitor and document participant progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings between participants and their respective Heads of Department (HoDs).

Coordination & Communication

• Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling sessions, sending reminders, and maintaining programme documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, addressing queries and resolving issues promptly.

Engagement & Feedback

• Design and organise feedback sessions to gather insights from participants and HoDs, using data to refine the programme.
• Develop strategies to ensure active engagement (e.g., interactive workshops, milestone celebrations).

Reporting

• Prepare progress reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Required Skills of a successful volunteer:

• Keen Eye for Detail: Ability to manage complex schedules, track progress meticulously, and maintain accurate records.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication to liaise effectively with participants, HoDs, and stakeholders.
• Relationship Building & Networking: Proven ability to foster trust and collaboration across departments.
• Organizational Agility: Skilled in multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to addressing challenges and improving programme delivery.

Preferred but not essential:

• Experience in coordinating professional development programmes or similar initiatives.
• Familiarity with data analysis to assess programme effectiveness.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

Work from home

Application question(s):

• Are you sure you can commit to this being a non-paid role?
• Can you commit to 16 weeks?
• Do you have access to personal PC or laptop?

Work Location: Remote

Could you be the reason a family feels supported and less alone during their toughest days?

Families staying in our homes are facing the unimaginable, and the skills and compassion of our volunteers can make all the difference. We’re looking for people who want to give their time and be part of something truly meaningful.

By volunteering in our homes, you’ll help create a place of calm, care and belonging for children, young people and families affected by cancer.

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support — it brings hope, humanity and kindness, and leaves a lasting impact on the families we support.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop activities that follow an inclusive programme of events, according to needs of region and service user demographic, remaining mindful of families that are observing religious holidays/customs

• In conjunction with our local fundraising team, approach local sources to donate to events, e.g. supermarkets to provide snacks for event

• Complete necessary administrative tasks associated with the event, e.g. creating and sending out posters.

Volunteer Role: Community Group Volunteer

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: A few hours once a month

Reporting to: Adoption Community Manager

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS

Community groups are facilitated face to face or virtual meetings/events run by community group coordinators who are volunteers. The groups are run to offer local networking, support, information, advice, guidance and a sense of community for adoption UK members.

The role of a community group coordinator is to plan, organise, facilitate and network meeting and events both face to face and virtually for local adoption UK members. 

The groups are open to prospective adopters/ adopters awaiting a match and adopters with children. Meet ups are often held monthly although the frequency is dependent on the availability of the community group coordinator. 

What you will be doing   

·Plan dates for the community group meetings.

·Inform the Community officer and manager so the admin and booking link can be created for the group.

·Attend the group meetings, welcome the attendees, remind everyone at the start of the meeting about safeguarding and confidentiality, chair the meeting and provide a listening ear and potential signposting to the attendees.

·Ensure Adoption UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.

·After the meeting, send an attendance list to staff at Adoption UK.

The Skills and Experience you need  

·Personal experience, and understanding of the issues facing adoptive parents 

·Caring 

·Understanding 

·Good listening and communication skills 

·Good understanding of the importance of confidentiality

·Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices  

·Some IT and administration skills   

·Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

What’s in it for you

·Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

·Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

·Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

·Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

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! 

Unfortunately this role cannot be used for as a placement and our mentee cannot be used as case studies.

Peer Mentors provide one-to-one short term emotional and practical support to people with mental health challenges in Camden, to help them regain their confidence and independence. This opportunity is for people to use their lived experience of mental health problems to help create a short term, supportive and understanding relationship with someone who requires support in the community. 

It’s about motivating and empowering the other person to identify their own issues and goals and helping them to find ways of resolving or reaching them – not by doing it for them, or expecting them to ‘do it the way I did it’, but by understanding and respecting different ways of working.

You will:

1. Work 1:1 with your mentee to identify & set short term realistic goals​ that would be helpful to their mental wellbeing
2. Work with them over 10 sessions to help them achieve them, maximum 20 weeks.​
3. Equip them with the tools and skills they need to continue longer term​
4. Provide a helping hand – refer mentees to other services in the local area, if appropriate.
5. Provide emotional and practical support as needed, which may include supporting mentee to find support that works for them in the community
6. Empower them to take an active part in their life choices

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”.

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Marketing and Communications Volunteer

The Goal: Help us share our story with the world. You’ll be a creative voice for the Trust, helping our message reach and inspire action.

We’d love help with:

• Digital Content: Creating engaging posts for social media, newsletters, or our website.

• Designing Materials: Helping us make flyers, posters, or digital graphics that look great.

• Campaigning: Assisting with the launch of new campaigns to celebrate our impact.

What you bring:

• A creative eye and a knack for writing content that people want to read.

• Familiarity with social media or design tools (like Canva or Mailchimp).

• A passion for sharing the history and stories of the British Bengali community.