Community ambassador volunteer volunteer roles

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 25 January 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 26 January and 6 February 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:

• 17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 24 March 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

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

�� Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits �� Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Socially Connected Ambassador (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Purpose: To leverage personal and professional networks to expand GLF’s reach and influence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Represent GLF at social, political, and business networking events.

• Connect GLF with potential partners, donors, and sponsors.

• Support awareness campaigns through social media and public engagement.

• Advocate for youth and family issues in community forums.

Requirements/Skills:

• Strong public presence or social influence.

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.

• Passionate advocate for vulnerable children and families.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to be the public face of a growing national movement.

• Exclusive access to elite events, media appearances, and social recognition.

• Personal fulfillment from using influence to create tangible change.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Inspire. Lead. Welcome the next generation of lifesavers.

Do you have a talent for bringing people together? Are you organised, confident, and passionate about making your community stronger? If so, this could be the most rewarding role you’ll ever take on.

St John Ambulance Cymru is looking for to recruit 3 County Recruitment and Onboarding Managers – 1 in Powys, 1 in Gwent and 1 in Dyfed, to lead the way in welcoming new volunteers into our organisation.

This is not about paperwork - it’s about people. As a County Recruitment Manager, you’ll be the face of St John Ambulance Cymru for every new recruit. You’ll inspire confidence, create a warm welcome, and make sure every volunteer begins their journey ready and excited to make a difference.

What you’ll do

• Lead monthly onboarding days - welcoming new volunteers, checking ID documents, organise and support engaging first aid awareness sessions, and helping recruits take their first steps.
• Champion volunteering - representing St John at local events, community fairs, and through online promotion.
• Work with local leaders - ensuring new volunteers get the right training, support, and opportunities.
• Shape the future - this is a newly designed role, so you’ll help develop how we recruit and onboard for years to come.

What you’ll get

• The chance to directly shape the volunteer team that saves lives in your community.
• Leadership, training, and communication experience you can take anywhere.
• A network of passionate people working together to build safer, healthier communities.
• Eligibility for the Blue Light Card and access to St John Ambulance Cymru training and support.

What we’re looking for

• A friendly, approachable communicator who can put people at ease.
• Someone organised, reliable, and confident leading a group.
• Passion for volunteering and community service.
• Experience in recruitment, HR, training, or events is welcome - but not essential. We’ll support you every step of the way.

Why it matters

Every St John Ambulance Cymru volunteer goes on to save lives, support people in need, and strengthen communities. You’ll be the one who makes that possible. Without you, their journey may never begin.

This is your chance to step into a leadership role that truly changes lives.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.

Mavar’s Mission

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.

Mavar’s Service Users

Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.

Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.

Trustee Role Details

The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.

Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
• Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures.

You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
• Strong communication and networking skills

Desirable

• Experience of charity fundraising
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural context

Join us as a Trustee – Fundraising & Grants Lead and help shape the future of Grantham Foodbank.

We’re looking for someone with energy, ideas and a passion for supporting our community. As part of our Board, you’ll help guide the strategic direction of Grantham Foodbank and ensure we remain strong, sustainable and ready to support local people in crisis.

In this lead role, you’ll use your fundraising or grant-writing experience to help us secure vital income, build partnerships and unlock new opportunities for growth. You don’t need to be a fundraising expert — just confident working with bids, building relationships and making a positive difference.

DETAILS:

Role: Trustee – Fundraising & Grants Lead
Organisation: Grantham Foodbank (part of The Trussell Trust network)
Location: Grantham / in-person meetings; project work can be done from home
Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per month, plus initial training
Term: Three-year term, renewable in line with the constitution

About the Role

Join us as a Trustee – Fundraising & Grants Lead and help shape the future of Grantham Foodbank.
You will share responsibility for the charity’s governance and strategic direction while taking the lead on fundraising and grant development to secure the funds we need to sustain and grow our impact in the local community.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead or support the Foodbank’s fundraising strategy, grants, and donor engagement

· Identify and pursue new income opportunities and local partnerships

· Keep the Board informed about fundraising performance, risks, and opportunities

· Act as an ambassador for Grantham Foodbank within the local community

About You:

· Experience or interest in fundraising, grants, or partnership building

· Strategic thinker with strong communication and relationship-building skills

· Commitment to Grantham Foodbank and Trussell Trust values

· Willingness to commit ~6–8 hours/month, attend Board meetings, and engage with board activities outside of meetings

Time Commitment / Meetings:

· Attend ~10 Board meetings per year (~3 hours each, plus a strategy and planning day)

· Additional time for reading papers, correspondence, and specific project work

Expenses:
Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel to meetings) will be reimbursed. This is a voluntary role; no salary or honorarium is offered.

Closing date: 15 January 2026
Shortlisting and interviews: from the week of 19 January 2026

Equal Opportunities: Please complete the Equal Opportunities form included in the application. This is voluntary, confidential, and will not affect your application.

Additional Information / PDF: A full role description and person specification is available as an attachment for more details.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Inspire. Lead. Welcome the next generation of lifesavers.

Do you have a talent for bringing people together? Are you organised, confident, and passionate about making your community stronger? If so, this could be the most rewarding role you’ll ever take on.

St John Ambulance Cymru is looking for to recruit 3 County Recruitment and Onboarding Managers – 1 in Powys, 1 in Gwent and 1 in Dyfed, to lead the way in welcoming new volunteers into our organisation.

This is not about paperwork - it’s about people. As a County Recruitment Manager, you’ll be the face of St John Ambulance Cymru for every new recruit. You’ll inspire confidence, create a warm welcome, and make sure every volunteer begins their journey ready and excited to make a difference.

What you’ll do

• Lead monthly onboarding days - welcoming new volunteers, checking ID documents, organise and support engaging first aid awareness sessions, and helping recruits take their first steps.
• Champion volunteering - representing St John at local events, community fairs, and through online promotion.
• Work with local leaders - ensuring new volunteers get the right training, support, and opportunities.
• Shape the future - this is a newly designed role, so you’ll help develop how we recruit and onboard for years to come.

What you’ll get

• The chance to directly shape the volunteer team that saves lives in your community.
• Leadership, training, and communication experience you can take anywhere.
• A network of passionate people working together to build safer, healthier communities.
• Eligibility for the Blue Light Card and access to St John Ambulance Cymru training and support.

What we’re looking for

• A friendly, approachable communicator who can put people at ease.
• Someone organised, reliable, and confident leading a group.
• Passion for volunteering and community service.
• Experience in recruitment, HR, training, or events is welcome - but not essential. We’ll support you every step of the way.

Why it matters

Every St John Ambulance Cymru volunteer goes on to save lives, support people in need, and strengthen communities. You’ll be the one who makes that possible. Without you, their journey may never begin.

This is your chance to step into a leadership role that truly changes lives.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Job Role:

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking Supporting Directors to join our Board, contributing strategic insight, expertise, and oversight to strengthen SSI’s governance, operations, and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure SSI delivers on its community mission and legal obligations.
• Support the Board in policy-setting, financial accountability, and risk management.
• Contribute specialist expertise (e.g. governance, finance, partnerships, community development, food systems).
• Champion SSI’s values and act as an ambassador, building relationships with partners, funders, and local organisations.
• Monitor progress against strategic goals and ensure decisions align with SSI’s community purpose.

Core Duties:

• Ensure SSI acts within its powers and upholds its community interest objectives.
• Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in all Board matters.
• Safeguard SSI’s financial integrity, sustainability, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Provide advice and constructive challenge without engaging in daily operations.
• Join working groups or committees (e.g. finance, growth, governance) where relevant to your expertise.

Expectations of the Role:

• Attend and prepare for quarterly Board meetings and one annual review.
• Stay informed about emerging issues in food justice, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
• Participate in subcommittees or project groups as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality, uphold SSI’s ethical standards, and champion diversity and inclusion.

About You

Essential:

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and social purpose.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Experience in governance, management, or community initiatives (professional or voluntary).
• Sound judgement, integrity, and a solutions-driven mindset.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of social enterprise, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.
• Understanding of governance, finance, or charity operations.
• Lived experience of food insecurity, social inequality, or community leadership.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.
• Experience in board-level leadership, governance, and strategy.
• Networking opportunities through community events and partnerships.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.
• Training and development opportunities in governance and management.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest and relevant experience.

About ArtClusiv
ArtClusiv is a creative social enterprise that exists to amplify and empower BIPOC creatives across all disciplines, including music, visual arts, performance, design, and more. We create spaces where creativity, culture, and community meet. Our work addresses systemic barriers in the mainstream arts world and promotes a more fair, visible, and supportive ecosystem for underrepresented voices.
We do this through skills training, access to opportunities, artist visibility, fair payment advocacy, and a safe, inclusive community that celebrates identity and artistry.

Volunteer Board Member (Director)
ArtClusiv is seeking an experienced and committed board member to help guide our mission and shape our long term impact. This role is ideal for someone with leadership experience in the arts, community development, creative industries, nonprofit governance, or cultural equity work.

Role Overview
As a board member, you will provide strategic oversight and help ensure that ArtClusiv continues to grow in a focused, values driven direction. Your guidance will support our goals of increasing visibility, strengthening partnerships, and securing funding to expand our programmes and opportunities for BIPOC creatives.
You will work closely with the founder and fellow directors to advise on organisational development, sustainability, grant applications, stakeholder engagement, and ethical governance.

Key Responsibilities
• Offer strategic advice to help shape the long term direction of ArtClusiv
• Support funding strategy and help identify grant opportunities and partnership prospects
• Provide oversight on governance, risk management, and community accountability
• Champion the mission and act as an ambassador for ArtClusiv in your networks
• Attend quarterly board meetings and contribute actively to decision making
• Share expertise that strengthens our impact in visibility, outreach, and equity
• Support the founder in navigating nonprofit challenges and building organisational resilience

What We’re Looking For
• Previous experience in a board, director, or governance role (nonprofit or creative sector preferred)
• Knowledge of arts, culture, community development, or social impact
• Strong understanding of BIPOC representation in the arts and the systemic challenges creatives face
• Strategic thinking, leadership ability, and a collaborative approach
• Commitment to anti discrimination, fairness, and inclusive creative spaces

We Strongly Encourage Applications From
• BAME and POC artists or creative professionals
• Individuals with lived experience of underrepresentation in the arts
• People passionate about building equity centred creative ecosystems

What You Gain
• The opportunity to influence and support a growing creative nonprofit
• A meaningful leadership role that uplifts artists and communities
• Experience in CIC governance and strategic development
• A platform to contribute your voice, knowledge, and lived experience

If you want to help shape a more inclusive future for the arts and ensure that diverse creative talent is recognised, supported, and celebrated, we would love to hear from you.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Faversham

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-17:00. 

Location: Shop in Faversham, ME13 7AL

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

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

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any 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 experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact the shop manager.