Advice and information volunteer roles

��Volunteer Opportunity: Make a Real Difference across West Glamorgan! ��

Join one of our Programme Boards or Steering and Advisory Boards as a Lived Experience or Unpaid Carer Volunteer Representative

Are you passionate about improving health and social care services in your community? Do you have lived experience or care for someone who uses health and social care services? 

West Glamorgan Regional Partnership wants to hear from you!

We are looking for volunteer representatives to help us shape the future of health and social care services across the region. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful; ensuring real experiences guide real change.

Volunteers must live in the Swansea or Neath Port Talbot region.

We have a variety of Programmes:

•   Communities and Older Peoples Programme
•   Carers Partnership
•   Dementia Programme
•   Well-being and Learning Disability Programme
•   Emotional Well-being and Mental Health Programme
•   Children and Young People Programme
•   Neurodiverse Programme

�� What you’ll be doing:

• Sharing your experiences and those of others in your network.

• Helping shape and influence regional health and social care programmes.

• Working alongside professionals and other volunteers to improve services.

• Representing the views of unpaid carers and people with lived experience—not just your own.

�� Time Commitment:

• Quarterly meetings (approximately every 12 weeks)

• 2-hour meetings

• Meetings held online or in person, Monday–Friday during office hours.

• Some time needed to prepare for meetings

• 4-year volunteer term (flexible and supported).

�� Skills & Support:

• No qualifications needed, just your experience and willingness to contribute.

• Full induction, training, and ongoing support provided.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

�� Why Volunteer?

• Make a positive impact in your community.

• Gain valuable experience and transferable skills.

• Be part of transforming health and social care locally.

• Receive references to support any future employment.

The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) exists to improve musculoskeletal (MSK) services in the UK. We are a membership organisation which brings together patient, research and healthcare professional organisations working in MSK health. Working together as an alliance, we have a powerful voice to influence policy and improve standards of care.

Our vision is:

• The MSK health of the population is promoted throughout life

• Everyone with MSK conditions receives appropriate, high quality interventions to promote their health and well-being in a timely manner.

ARMA is a registered charity and a limited company, meaning that the board are both trustees of the charity and directors of the company. ARMA is a strong, stable and highly regarded charity with a track record of influence and success. We are relatively small in financial terms with a core budget of circa £100K in addition to project budgets, which vary from year to year. We also have healthy financial reserves.

We value the role our Trustees make. Our Treasurer plays and an important role alongside our CEO overseeing the financial health and integrity of the organisation.

While you may not have held a trustee position before, you will have the ability and professional confidence to work as part of a dynamic board of trustees. You will bring:

• Financial background with a firm understanding and appreciation of income statements and balance sheets, not-for-profit awareness and knowledge

• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the board and other stakeholders.

To apply for the position, please provide the following documents:

• Your CV
• A supporting statement (maximum two pages) that outlines your interest in the role of ARMA treasurer, and how you meet our requirements.

The deadline is 9.00am on Monday 25 August.

Interviews will be held in September.

The British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) is seeking a qualified finance professional to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer - a vital role to join the eminent Heart Failure clinical experts that make up our Board, in our mission to reduce heart failure mortality and improve patient care across the UK.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee and Treasurer of the British Society for Heart Failure (BSH), the leading UK charity dedicated to improving care for people living with heart failure. Our work supports education, research, collaboration, and national awareness - all aimed at improving outcomes for the nearly 1 million people in the UK living with this serious condition and the further 400,000 estimated to be undiagnosed.

We’re at an exciting stage of growth, with a new team, a new strategy in development, and bold plans for the future.

As Treasurer, you will provide strategic financial oversight to a respected national charity with an annual income of £1.5 million. You will also support our flagship campaign, 25in25, which aims to reduce deaths from heart failure by 25% over the next 25 years.

We are seeking an experienced, qualified finance professional (e.g. ACCA, CIMA) with strong financial leadership credentials. Excellent communication and board-level decision-making skills are essential. Experience in charity finance is desirable but not required.

BSH is a registered charity and professional membership organisation governed by a Board of Trustees, mostly elected from our 1,300 members - heart failure clinicians including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The Treasurer is a co-opted trustee, appointed for their financial expertise.

Our team is small and mostly remote, with access to offices next to Hyde Park in London. The Board consists of 9 volunteers and is supported by over 50 active committee members working across education, research, and regulatory affairs.

Our Values

• Collaborative - we work closely with clinicians, health organisations, and patients.
• Evidence-based - we ground our work in research and lived experience.
• Professional and member-led - we are guided by expert members devoted to improving heart failure care.

Trustee Duties

All Trustees are expected to:

• Uphold BSH’s mission, values, and governance.
• Act in the charity’s best interests, ensuring compliance and minimising risk.
• Participate in Board meetings and contribute to at least one committee.
• Use personal expertise to add value and support innovation.
• Seek professional advice when necessary.

Additional Treasurer Responsibilities

• Monitor financial health and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Advise on financial implications of plans and strategy.
• Support annual budgeting and ensure alignment with objectives.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.
• Maintain and review the reserves policy.
• Liaise with the Finance Director and CEO to present reports to the Board.
• Oversee the annual audit and coordinate with external auditors.
• Ensure statutory accounts are correctly prepared and disclosed.
• Identify and manage financial risks through appropriate controls.

This is a voluntary, unremunerated position. The Board meets 4-5 times per year (2 in-person, in London). Average time commitment is 1-2 days per month. Trustees serve a three-year term, renewable once. Travel expenses are reimbursed, and full induction provided.

The Treasurer also becomes a Director of BSH Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary.

To apply, please provide:

• Your CV (max 3 pages, including 2 referees)

• A supporting statement (max 2 pages), outlining your motivation for applying and confirming that you meet the requirements in Part 1 of the Person Specification and detailing how you meet the criteria in Part 2 of the Person Specification

Timetable:

• Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 14 September 2025
• Final interviews: Late Sept/early Oct, in person (London)
• Start of term: Nov/Dec 2025
• Induction: Morning of 5 December 2025
• First Board Meeting: 9 January 2026

We are looking for new Trustees to join our brilliant Board!

Hope at Home is a growing and ambitious charity established in January 2018 (Charity no 1176802) which works to provide safe homes for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK.

We are at an exciting phase of growth and development and are particularly looking for motivated, committed people with experience of:

• Lived experience of modern slavery or human trafficking, homelessness or the asylum & immigration system.
• Working knowledge of immigration / housing law.
• Working knowledge of marketing.
• Working knowledge of or experience in HR.
• Experience in developing a Major Donor programme or philanthropic support.

We are seeking to improve, amongst other things, the skill set and competencies of the board and the visible diversity of the board to ensure we more accurately reflect the make-up of the people that we serve. We will provide a full induction and training for any new Board member, including those with no previous experience of being a trustee.

For more information on the role and how to apply, please download our Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

As an Administrative Support Volunteer, you will play an essential role in the team, complimenting the work of the Manchester Hub and allowing Shelter clients to receive the support that they need. The opportunity will allow you to make a difference in your local community as well as gaining hands-on experience in one of the UK's leading housing charities. 

Suggested Involvement: e.g. A suggested minimum commitment of one day per week for six months

Availability: e.g. This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 

Location: Manchester Hub, Unit 3, Great North Tower, 5 Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE 

Supervised by: Hub Administrator 

Why get involved with Shelter? 

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

Shelter volunteers are involved in our head office, services, shops, campaigns, events and our legal teams, and they all contribute their valuable time, skills and experience. We simply couldn’t achieve our goals without them. 

Main tasks 

• General administrative tasks (photocopying, scanning, and minute taking) 

• Covering reception and meeting and greeting people who are dropping into the office on an ad hoc basis 

• Updating local resource documents, such as local authority information sheets

• Inputting information on to our case management system 

• Supporting the team with resources for delivery of training 

Skills and experience required 

• Previous administrative experience or an interest in gaining administrative skills 

• An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt. 

• Ability to manage your own time and task load 

• Confident and professional telephone manner 

• Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public). 

• Confident IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes. 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value others 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection 

Induction, learning and development 

To enable you to take part in this opportunity, Shelter will: 

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies & Procedures 

• Provide e-learning including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Environmental Awareness and Safeguarding 

• Provide access to other appropriate Shelter training 

• Provide a local induction relevant to your role 

• Pay ‘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 

• Be part of a great team 

• Build your confidence and develop transferrable skills 

• Enhances your CV 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will invite successful candidates to an informal interview to discuss the role further. 

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.  

About Us

Home-Start Guildford is an independent charity based in Guildford committed to promoting the welfare of local families and children. We are part of Home-Start UK, one of the UK’s leading family support charities, benefiting from their policy framework and quality assurance, but not funding. Staff and volunteers offer regular support, including providing emotional and practical help to families in the families’ own homes and connecting families with specialist services within the community.

Job Title: Chair of Trustees

Location: Guildford, Surrey

Organisation: Home-Start Guildford

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our Board of Trustees as the Chair. The Chair will lead the Board in ensuring the effective governance of the charity, providing strategic direction, and supporting the Manager and staff team. This is a pivotal role that requires a strong leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring that our mission and values are at the forefront of all decisions.
• Governance: Ensure the charity is effectively governed and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Home-Start Guildford.
• Support: Provide guidance and oversight to the Manager, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enables the staff team to thrive.
• Representation: Act as an ambassador for Home-Start Guildford, representing the charity at external events and meetings, and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Communication: Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among Trustees, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the charity, working closely with the Treasurer to monitor budgets and financial planning.

Person Specification:

• Leadership Experience: Proven leadership experience, ideally within the charity sector, with a track record of strategic planning and governance.
• Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of governance and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Commitment: A deep commitment to the values and mission of Home-Start Guildford, with a genuine passion for supporting families.
• Financial Acumen: Experience in financial oversight and fundraising is desirable, with the ability to ensure the charity's financial stability.

Time Commitment:

The Chair is expected to commit approximately 2-4 days per month, including attendance at Board meetings and occasional events. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of families in Guildford.

What does becoming a trustee involve?

As part of the trustee role, you will be expected to:

• Attend, and prepare for, a minimum of six meetings per year.
• Undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
• Undergo a selection process as outlined by Home-Start Guildford.
• Commit to the legal and financial responsibilities of the role, as outlined in the charity's Constitution (‘Foundation’ model constitution).
• Visit and engage with the office and staff to enhance your understanding of how Home-Start Guildford works.

Training and Support:

Trustees are fully inducted into Home-Start at the start of their new role; they will receive:

• An online welcome event and e-learning, introducing Home-Start’s service and your responsibilities.
• Training in key areas including safeguarding.
• Reimbursement of paid expenses.
• Access to Home-Start’s online community via HSUK intranet – full of information and guidance on running a local Home-Start.
• Tailored support by other trustees and staff.

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation?

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context.
• An opportunity to influence and collectively lead an organisation supporting families of young children.
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work.
• A chance to augment your experience of charities.
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed.
• Satisfaction of helping an organisation that supports families, thus giving something back to your community.
• Induction training from us; training, support, and assistance from local charity-support & advice agencies; reimbursement of reasonable expenses, if needed.

What do we get?

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding, or experience.
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future, especially in this cost-of-living crisis.
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our operational growth.
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work.
• Your enthusiasm.

Contact Information:

For more information about the role, please contact Sarah Black or Louisa Tompkins in the first instance at the Home-Start Guildford office. We are happy to answer any questions and provide further details about this exciting opportunity.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to our office email. We look forward to hearing from candidates who share our vision and are eager to contribute to our mission.

All prospective volunteers must have the legal right to stay in the United Kingdom and you will be asked to produce evidence of this as part of the induction process.

Home-Start is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.

Home-Start Guildford is committed to safer recruitment practice as an

important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults

Registered Charity No. 1154609

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Volunteer Case Worker (DA) you will provide specialist support services for young people affected by domestic abuse.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
• This is an ideal role for anyone looking to gain experience working for a charity or who has an interest in a career working with young people and people affected by domestic abuse.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Access to reflective practice, peer support and mentoring.
• One to one support provided by a designated line manager, who will offer coaching and case supervision.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

Volunteering with Victim Support and our STREET programme in Gloucestershire  

As a Volunteer in Gloucestershire your role will include:

• Supporting young people who have experienced domestic abuse
• You will receive specific specialist training around domestic abuse and supporting young people
• Work closely with our partner agencies such as GDASS and SARC
• Opportunity to attend events to represent Victim Support and our STREET service
• Being able to work from our office in Gloucester or from home depending on the need
• Training around our case management system
• Access to a Victim Support laptop and phone to enable you to update our systems and use a victim support email account to communicate with clients and referral partners

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 7 to 14 hours per week, for at least 12 months. Ideally, we are looking for someone who can commit to two fixed days a week.
• Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes eleven virtual training days (including our core, safeguarding, children’s and domestic abuse training) as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer, and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Catching Lives is looking for a Chair and up to 4 Trustees to join our Board. We are an award-winning homelessness charity with a strong reputation and local presence in East Kent. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a safe place to live and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. We work to achieve this by supporting people at our Canterbury day centre, providing essential facilities and individual support to improve housing, health and social connection.

Previous experience of charity governance is essential for the role of Chair, while for general Trustees we are interested in a range of professional skills. We also value lived experience of issues such as homelessness and substance dependency.

There are 5 Board meetings a year, plus an AGM and away day, either in our day centre or at another location near Canterbury city centre. Trustees usually meet in person with the option of occasionally joining remotely. For full details please download the recruitment pack.

Please apply by sending your CV or a link to your LinkedIn profile, along with a supporting statement explaining why you are interested in being a trustee at Catching Lives, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you are applying specifically for the Chair role, please mention this in your supporting statement and briefly describe your prior governance experience.

The closing date is 4 September 2025.

Fight for Home Champion [London]

Do you have great communication skills that you’d like to put to good use?

Information about the role

In this role you’ll be representing Shelter at local events and functions, speaking about our work and encouraging more people to support our movement for change. You’ll also promote our local Shelter services and our campaigning work to tackle the root causes of the housing emergency.

Location: London (various)

Suggested contribution: Ideally at least once month, but it’s up to you.

Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with meetings and events that might take place in evenings and weekends.

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include:

· Delivering talks to local community groups, schools and faith groups about the work of Shelter and the ways in which your audience could help us achieve our goals.

· Raising awareness of Shelter and our work through talking to friends, family and on social media

· Attending cheque presentations on behalf of Shelter to thank people and say a few words about how the money raised could be used to tackle homelessness

· Supporting our campaigns to tackle the root cause of the housing emergency by encouraging people to sign petitions and spreading the word in your community

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences 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.

Your skills and experience

For this role it’s important you’re willing to speak in front of an audience, but it doesn’t matter if you have experience in this area or not. The most important thing is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home!

Supporting you

· You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

· The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

· You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

· You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy from 2026; an important timeframe as we await a Government White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Volunteer management
• Local Authority / Education
• Disabilities

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 12 September 2025 
First-round interviews: Monday 29 September and Monday 6 October 2025

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

We're a not for profit Community Energy organisation operating in Southwark and Lambeth and has been established by members of the South London community to relieve fuel poverty by providing renewable energy locally. We have been set up as a Community Benefit Society, which means we are a business managed for the benefit of the community. It’s is run by its shareholders, and shareholding is open to everyone.

We were established in 2023 and received grants from four funds (Government, Mayor of London, Southwark Council, Centrica Energy for Tomorrow) and a fuel poverty alleviation contract from Uk Power Networks (Leaving No One Behind) in 2024 to set up our pilot projects. We have two part time paid managers running the fuel poverty activity and the overall programme.

Our pilot projects include a fuel poverty service delivering energy advice and support for those in need and we currently have five trained energy champions who work with us part-time. We are also running feasibility studies for four solar arrays on housing estates and we’re exploring different possible business models. If we can make this work then we will be setting a precedent for a model for renewables on mixed tenure estates and long term financial sustainable fuel poverty alleviation.

At this exciting and pivotal time at the beginning of our journey we are looking for a Treasurer to support our organisation by overseeing the financial affairs.

The Role

The Treasurer will be overseeing the work of Martin, our dedicated Lead Finance Volunteer, who is an accountant working in Government and has been supporting our work for several months. We estimate that the treasurer role will require an average of less than one day a month, including attendance at six board meetings a year and weekly half hour meetings as necessary to be a mentor to Martin. We hold board meetings every other month on Tuesdays 1-2.30pm. The majority of these are held online with occasional in person meetings in Southwark. The Treasurer will also be responsible for holding a general oversight of financial activities and ensuring that we are keeping in line with our financial responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial matters to ensure that the organisation is compliant with regulations and good practice
• Support the finance team and other members of the board to ensure that effective financial procedures are in place
• Support the team in maintaining accurate financial records and oversee the year-end and funders financial reporting processes
• Advise on finance related initiatives that could benefit the society and input to strategy
• Support the creation of financial prospectuses for community share offers

Essential Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Chartered accountant with at least three years experience
• Understanding of financial management in organisations
• Ability to communicate financial information in a clear and effective manner
• Interest in renewables, sustainability and Community Energy
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and build good relationships
• Willingness to mentor our Lead Finance Volunteer

Desirable Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Experience of Community Energy and/or the renewable energy sector
• Knowledge of social enterprise structures
• Experience of being on the board of a not for profit organisation
• Being a resident of or having a connection to South London

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat welfare team leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the branch coordinator/team leader, Cat Welfare team, branch development manager and Vet team to ensure that cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
• Support fosterers to follow cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified systems
• Attending relevant volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat adoption team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with our policies and procedures

Time expectation

The time expectation for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our cat welfare team leaders usually spend between 10 to 12 hours per week in this role which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

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

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.

Title: Economics Advisor – Missing People 

Summary 

Missing People is recruiting volunteers with expertise in economics to support the early planning of a project exploring the economic impact of missing episodes and the harms experienced by individuals while missing. This work will inform the development of a robust, evidence-based estimate of the cost of a missing episode and the socio-economic return on investment (ROI) of prevention efforts. 

As an Advisory Volunteer, you will provide expert guidance to help shape the scope and direction of this project. Your insights will help the charity identify key considerations, methodologies, and data needs - an area where we have limited in-house expertise. 

Description

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones. Our services include: 

• A free and confidential helpline, available 7 days a week, for missing people and their loved ones, 

• A specialist family support and counselling service, 

• Case publicity to support loved ones with sharing appeals,

• Specialist services for children and young people, and their loved ones, experiencing exploitation,

• Commissioned intensive support services for young people at particular risk, 

• Research, consultancy and training for professionals working around the issue of missing.

Our vision is that every missing person is found safe.

By supporting us to develop a compelling economic case for prevention, you’ll play a vital role in shaping how missing incidents are understood and addressed across the UK. We will use the information to influence nationally: sharing the figures with key decision-makers in government, policing, health and social care. This work will strengthen our case for funding essential services that prevent repeat missing episodes and support the development of more effective early intervention strategies.

We’ve already begun exploring this work but need additional external expertise to guide our planning and approach. As such we are recruiting new volunteer Economics Advisors. Advisors will be asked to:

• Attend and participate in monthly project planning meeting (1-2 hours via video call, scheduled flexibly on weekdays or evenings) for a period of 6 months.

• Review relevant documents and provide ad hoc advice between meetings (no more than 1-2 hours)

• Get further involved in the project with a weekly commitment, if desired – this is entirely optional.

What impact will you have? 

Your input will support Missing People to build a stronger case for prevention and change for missing people and their loved ones.

About the volunteer 

We are looking for volunteers with: 

• A strong understanding of data and working with complex statistics 

• Experience in economic analysis of social issues and public policy, cost-benefit analysis, or social return on investment (SROI) 

• Willingness to support and advise Missing People’s Head of Policy and Head of Research in understanding an area outside of our usual expertise 

• The ability to ask key questions, offer constructive challenge, and act as a critical friend to staff 

• Commitment to attend monthly meetings for a 6-month project period