Care management volunteer roles

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is seeking to recruit enthusiastic new Trustees to join our existing Board and actively contribute to the existing strength and growth of the charity!

About

Trustees typically attend monthly board meetings, with occasional activities between meetings. The estimated time commitment is around 2 hours per typical month. New trustees will be supported with induction and access to ongoing training, including safeguarding and governance. We particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work on, and from those connected to the communities we serve in Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs. As a trustee, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Centre and ensure we continue to provide vital, trauma-informed support to women in Hillingdon and beyond.

About Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is a women’s charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon. For almost 40 years, we have been supporting the needs of women in our community. We provide access to services and work with women to help them overcome barriers in their lives and thrive. We are a proudly feminist, safe, and women-only space, inclusive of all women.

We are passionate about gender equality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our services are client-led; we listen, provide information, and enable women to make their own choices and take control of their lives.

Purpose of the Trustee role: 

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. As such, they are required to:
 

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Ensure the charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements

Key Trustee responsibilities: 

• Definition and review of a strategy/business plan for the charity in line with its objectives

• Set and maintain the vision, mission and values.

• Definition and review of charity policies and procedures

• Review and management of risks

• Attendance at board meetings, including the AGM

• Recruitment and management of the Centre Manager

• Review of financial processes and accounting

• General oversight and management of the charity premises

• Generation of funding for the charity, i.e. completion of grant applications, execution of fundraising activities, securing donors and ambassadors for the charity

• Promotion of the charity externally

We’re particularly seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation (e.g. donor engagement, campaign development, marketing strategy)

• Financial audit and compliance

• HR and people management

• External/public affairs and advocacy

• Governance and charity finance

• Strategic thinking and change management

• Lived experience of domestic abuse or connection to the communities we serve

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

• Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role

• Good independent judgement and creative thinking

• Ability to constructively contribute to conversations

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

We are committed to creating a board that reflects the diversity of our community. If you have access needs or require support with the application process, please let us know.
 

How to apply

• Please send a short expression of interest and your CV 

• If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to arrange a chat.

• Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application. If you’re passionate about gender equality and want to help shape the future of HWC, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a voluntary role, open to local female UK residents only. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work. 

Unify Giving CIC – UK Based

Unify Giving helps people give directly and safely to someone in need — no cash, no middlemen, just real impact. Now we’re looking for a TikTok Content Creator & Manager to help us spread the word in the UK ��

What you’ll do

• Create fun, eye-catching TikToks that show what Unify Giving is all about.

• Balance light, funny content with more serious impact stories.

• Repurpose content we already have and experiment with new trends.

• Manage posting, comments, and growth strategy on TikTok.

• Work directly with our founder, Matt, to shape ideas and grow the channel.

Why this is for you

• Minimum 5–10 hours per week, for at least 3 months.

• Great opportunity to build your portfolio in social media management.

• Work with a UK social impact cause making real change.

• Freedom to be creative — from serious storytelling to fun, trend-led videos.

Who we welcome
We don’t care about age, background, or “perfect” experience. If you love TikTok, have creative energy, and want to use your skills for good — you’ll fit right in.

�� This is your chance to grow as a content creator, while helping people experiencing homelessness get the support they need.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

Who we are:

Manchester is a young and vibrant city, with two in every five residents aged 25 or under. Yet, nearly half of our children (43.8%) are growing up in poverty.

Young Manchester is a youth-led partnership of more than 160 local non-profit organisations and community groups, supporting over 15,000 children and young people across the city every week. We resource, strengthen, and champion Manchester’s youth and play sector, centring young people’s voices, experiences, and leadership, and working to ensure that those most excluded have access to opportunities, support, and joy.

Our vision:

A Manchester where all children and young people can thrive and lead purposeful lives in a joyful, safe and healthy environment.

Young Manchester's Board of Trustees 

Young Manchester has a diverse, active and engaged board. However, we are particularly looking for further support around financial oversight and guidance, to ensure effective management of Young Manchester’s resources in line with its charitable objectives.

Young Manchester is working to expand its strategic engagement with business and diversify its fundraising streams through corporate and enterprise opportunities.

We are keen to hear from individuals with background in finance, or experience in fundraising, grant management, or investment portfolio. They will support the CEOs and Finance & Operations Manager by reviewing budgets, management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial statements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Work with the other trustees to ensure Young Manchester is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
2. Comply with Young Manchester’s governing document and the law.
3. Act in Young Manchester’s best interests.
4. Manage Young Manchester’s resources responsibly.
5. Act with reasonable care and skill.
6. Ensure Young Manchester is accountable by supporting and challenging its leadership.
7. Work closely with Young Manchester’s leadership to execute our strategy in alignment with our vision, mission and values.

We are currently looking for TRUSTEES of all backgrounds who have a passion for helping to make a positive difference to the lives of adults who have been in care.

Who we are

The Rees Foundation is a national charity based in Worcestershire that seeks to support adults who have, at some stage in their lives, been in foster care or residential care. Our focus is on the reality of many people’s transitions from being in care and moving into adult life, and the ongoing impact that care experience can have on a person's ability to reach their full potential.

Rees is resolute that care shouldn’t stop at 18, 21, or 25 years, it’s lifelong, and someone should be there to care. We listen, offer practical and emotional help, and we develop projects that really make a positive difference.

The role

The role of a Trustee is to ensure that the charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on its vision, mission and values. The Board of Trustees are jointly and individually responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities, and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

Our Board currently comprises members with a variety of skills in social care, strategic planning, finance and business.

As we have recently extended our registration to operate in Scotland, we are particularly keen to strengthen Scottish representation on our Board. We would welcome applications from individuals who have:

• Experience or professional understanding of the Scottish charity governance framework and OSCR regulations.
• Knowledge of the Scottish care system, including transitions, aftercare, or leaving-care support in a Scottish context.
• Connections to communities or organisations across Scotland that can help us better serve care-experienced adults in the region.

We would especially welcome applications from people who have professional knowledge and/or experience in the following areas:

• Finance (management accounting)
• Digital systems
• Fundraising
• Lived experience of being in care

We are also keen to increase diversity within the Board. We particularly welcome those from an ethnic minority background, the LGBTIQA+ community, people with disabilities, and younger people, as these are currently under-represented on our Board.

Living in Scotland is an advantage, but not essential – we welcome applications from anyone who meets the requirements.

If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to apply for future opportunities.

Would you like to use your skills and experience to help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK? And to help a small user-led charity that has become reputationally successful and punches way above its weight to grow sustainably, yet at speed, into its next iteration and be able to serve more families?

Founded in June 2020, The Belay Foundation was created to fill an urgent need for practical ‘in-home’ support to families whose children have previously been in local authority care. We were awarded charity registration in December 2020 and were soon working with families and Local Authorities across the UK. Our main areas of focus are: finding, training and supporting people who can offer trauma-responsive childcare and respite; disability benefits advice to families and young people; training professionals and parents to understand and respond to the impact of early-life trauma. 

Currently, The Belay Foundation has an income of £120k and has supported over 400 families. Feedback from those families is very positive and reflects the change from crisis to coping. We are currently conducting a major review of our services and business model to enable us to relaunch services which can be scaled to the next level and respond to an ever-expanding need. This review is being led by our new CEO, Libby McVeigh, who looks forward to working with our new Trustees to ensure that our strategy, systems and processes match our ambition.

Role Description

As a trustee you will:

• Meet regularly (mostly online and in the evening) with the other trustees to shape, drive and monitor the charity’s strategy
• Scrutinise the proper management and administration of the charity
• Champion the charity’s core values
• Help develop the financial sustainability of the charity
• Consider further service delivery in line with the charity’s aims
• Promote the work of the charity and develop contacts externally

Person specification

Essential:

• An interest in good governance and strategy
• Ability to scrutinise organisational systems and outputs, and a willingness and ability to support with operational tasks.
• Experience of providing oversight of operations in an organisation
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative, enthusiastic and empathetic
• Able to offer 4+ hours per month in Trustee and other meetings and in small group/1:1 support; and attend one in-person away day each year.

Preferable but not essential: 

• Experience of a trustee role
• Personal or professional interest in adoption, special guardianship and/or kinship care
• Experience in supporting the growth of a small organisation from its origins to its next stage 

In accordance with our commitment to equal opportunities and improving the diversity of our Board, we particularly  welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under-represented in our governance structure.

Click on the 'How to Apply' link for more information, including on how to apply by the deadline of midnight on Sunday 9th November

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.

Your skills, knowledge and experience can help our charity thrive. Our information, advice, support and care makes a real and lasting difference and with your help we can continue to help change how we age.

What will you be doing?

Our Board is small, friendly and packed with experience so we are happy to welcome people new to governance or people with great governance experience keen to support our work.

o Our diverse range of services and income generation means we value a wide range of life experience in our Board

o Currently we are particularly interested in people with experience in human resources, finance, property management, digital technology and retail

To ensure our board is reflective of our local communities and workforce, we strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of rural life, caring roles and people from ethnic minority communities

What are we looking for?

o Our diverse range of services and income generation means we value a wide range of life experience in our Board

o Currently we are particularly interested in people with experience in human resources, finance, property management, digital technology and retail

To ensure our board is reflective of our local communities and workforce, we strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of rural life, caring roles and people from ethnic minority communities

What difference will you make?

Our Trustees are at the core of our charity. Good governance is vital to our present and future and we can't go forward without great people working together on the Board. Trustees work closely together and with our small, very hands-on head office team led by our CEO. We enjoy excellent relationships between our Trustees and our key staff which makes even the difficult times easier. Our Trustee's skills, experience, strategic role and interests help us navigate challenges and achieve sustainable futures for our services, and those services change lives. Every day. 

Before you apply

Please contact the CEO if you have any questions.

External candidates, not applying via REACH will be asked to complete an application form. All candidates will complete a Trustee declaration form at the end of the selection process.

A Trustee will bring an individual area of expertise to benefit our organisation. Among the many skills they may have relate to business development, financial management; charity governance, staff development, performance management, local government, disability service development and adult social care. The Trustees work closely with the Executive Management Team (EMT) on the strategic direction of the business. They coordinate and attend quarterly board meetings, through which they review the work of the charity and provide advice, support and focus attention onto the areas that the EMT needs to consider and prepare for, to continuously improve what we do and respond to the changing environment in which Bethphage operates. Bethphage is a values-based charitable business, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community. The charity also needs to make a modest financial surplus to remain viable. The role of a Trustee is to be a critical friend to the management team, lending expertise and experience to help guide the organisation in achieving its aims and sometimes competing objectives. Some of our board members have been a part of Bethphage for many years, you will be joining a supportive, friendly, and collegiate team that will help you develop and grow your role as a Trustee. Trustees generally thoroughly enjoy the role and find that it is a very rewarding experience. The Trustees work on a voluntary capacity for the benefit of the charity, this usually equates to one day per month. All Trustees are requested to undergo a DBS check (Disclosure & Barring service). Currently, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with financial and/or legal experience and expertise.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7BU

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid) is looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the next chapter of our journey. We bring together two powerful causes, the fight for women’s rights and the fight against domestic abuse, under one purpose: to ensure that women, children and wider communities experiencing domestic abuse are free to live a life without abuse.

We are proud to deliver specialist domestic abuse services across Greater Manchester while protecting and sharing the story of Emmeline Pankhurst and the suffragette movement through the Pankhurst Centre.

As we prepare to develop our next strategic plan, we are looking for trustees who share our passion for challenging inequality and creating lasting change. You’ll join a skilled and committed Board that works closely with our experienced Executive Leadership Team to ensure that our vision, values, and purpose continue to thrive.

Who we’re looking for

We are keen to hear from applicants from all backgrounds who are motivated by our mission and share our values.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Leading growth and transformational change
• Business development or corporate fundraising
• Heritage, HR, or property management

Above all, we are looking for people who can think strategically, bring fresh perspectives, and work collaboratively as part of a diverse, values-led Board.

Our commitment to inclusion

As an organisation led by and for women, and in line with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, this role is open to women only.

We recognise that women are not one single group, and that experiences of inequality can be shaped by race, disability, sexuality, class, and lived experience. We particularly encourage applications from women from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled women, LGBTQ+ women, women with caring responsibilities and those with lived experience of domestic abuse.

If you share our values and want to contribute to a purposeful, feminist organisation making a difference in Manchester and beyond, we would love to hear from you.

What to expect

• Time commitment of approximately 3 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings (usually in person at the Pankhurst Centre), quarterly sub-committee meetings (usually held online), an Annual General Meeting, and occasional strategy / development days.
• Trustee terms are 3 years, with the option to renew.
• You’ll play an active role in setting strategy, ensuring good governance, and supporting our leadership team.

How to apply

Please download our Trustee Candidate Pack for more information.

Please submit your CV and a personal statement telling us why you’re interested in becoming a Trustee and how your skills and experience aligns with our mission and values.

Application deadline: Friday 7 November 2025

Interviews: Monday 17 November 2025

Job Description
Title: VOLUNTEER Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Reports directly to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct working relationships: C LEVEL, NATIONAL RESEARCH, POLICY, ETHICS, RESEARCH REPORTING AND LOCAL OPERATIONS.
Areas of Accountability and Responsibility:
❖ C Level oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations and Local Operations (including projects and research)
❖ Operational Delivery & Efficiency
Core Duties:
❖ Oversee national and local operations
❖ Ensure efficient resource allocation
❖ Ensure ethical compliance
❖ Ensure of smooth delivery of projects and research
❖ Continuously optimizing systems and processes for maximum operational effectiveness
❖ Leading and support a c level portfolio
❖ Engaging in c level tasks to support the organisational progress
❖ Attending high level meetings and providing updates regularly
❖ Dealing with tasks referred to the COO and supporting Heads of Department and other management in their roles as required
❖ Stepping in to support others including other c level officers and direct reports
NOTE - This job description can be changed

Are you looking for a Fundraising role that makes a real difference to a local charity? 

 At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services. 

Join our fundraising team at Tesco, St Peters Drive on Thursday 11th November and make a difference. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us collect donations from shoppers, supporting our cause in a rewarding environment. Plus, enjoy the convenience of free parking for all volunteers.

 How much time will it take?

The collection is from 10.00am – 3.00pm, but you can join us at any point for an hour or two.

 Am I right for the role? 

We’re looking for volunteers who are

• Approachable and happy to raise awareness about Acorns
• Versatile and willing to adapt and help out 

  Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV

• Opportunities to progress to other roles

  We can only accept volunteers who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also apply as they need to accompany you for the duration of your volunteer activities.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Coordinator role

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. Using a simple assessment, the Coordinator will explain to a potential new ‘Reader’ how Read Easy may be able to help them. The Coordinator pairs up new Coaches with those who want to learn to read and provides ongoing support to these reading pairs. They visit reading sessions occasionally and maintain support through regular calls with both Reader and Coach to check all is going well, calling on the group’s Literacy Specialist to respond to any literacy related difficulties a pair may be having. Being a Read Easy Coordinator is very flexible. You decide how much time you have to offer, and this will determine the number of reading pairs you look after. The role provides lots of variety, is home-based and can work well around other commitments.

How we will support you

You will be provided with the Coordinator Handbook, training, induction, policies, resources and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser. In addition, the Coordinator Supporter will meet with you regularly to provide support and find out how your Reading Pairs are getting on. You will be invited to Read Easy UK’s volunteer forums and National Conference which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

What you will be doing:

● Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter.

● Enrol and assess new Readers, using the simple resources provided.

● Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions (which will take place in an approved venue or online).

● Visit your reading pairs to provide encouragement, presenting certificates on occasion.

● Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.

● Contribute to Coach meetings where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support. (Run by the Management Team typically every 8 weeks.)

● Attend Management Team meetings when invited, typically every 6-8 weeks either in person or remotely.

● Record progress of your reading pairs using resources provided, sharing these with the Management Team to keep them fully informed and submit expenses for payment egularly.

The skills you will need:

● A passion for supporting others achieve either their reading or coaching goals;

● A willingness to become familiar with the methods of the phonics based Turning Pages coaching manuals, so that you can confidently guide others;

● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills;

● Self-awareness, personal responsibility and a professional approach;

● Reasonable confidence in using IT(accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings);

● The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently and as part of a team;

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures;

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Management Team;

● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included;

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of 2-3 hours a week to commit to the role.

What's in it for you? You will:

● receive outstanding Reading Coach Training;

● meet and work collaboratively with new people, and

● be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole Witnessing these transformations are one of your greatest rewards as Coordinator.

Interested?

If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, often described as ‘the best role in Read Easy’ because it is so rewarding, please contact the person who sent you this role description.

Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references. This role also requires an Enhanced without barring DBS Check (in line with DBS Code of Practice)