Community events volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help to create some backdrops (that fold down small please, storage is an issue!) that we can use at our events and interactive workshops. Our workshop and safe bubble is all about creating an imaginative world and we want to make the experience as immersive as possible for families. We have already created a magical world called Bubble World and now we want to bring it to life.

Who Are We Looking For?

·Creative and imaginative

·Artistic, with skills in painting, crafting, or model-making

·Detail-oriented and practical

·Collaborative and team-minded

·Problem-solver for foldable, easy-to-store props

What Do We Expect?

·Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

·Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.

·Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).

·A positive attitude to disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

·A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.

·Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.

·Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

·Make a tangible difference in your community.

·Develop skills in creative design and workshop preparation.

·Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.

·Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.

·Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

Are you a fluent Sylheti speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships, and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills. We are looking for a face-to-face volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour per week who is available between hours 11am – 2.30pm Monday-Friday!

What you will be doing

• To support individuals who are not confident with spoken English to develop their reading, writing and conversational skills through one-to-one sessions.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties
• Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.
• Support with preparing for the “Live in the UK Citizenship Test”

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Sylheti and English

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Project overview: 

Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to supporting older and vulnerable people in Kingston to live independently at home. We provide services such as hot lunch delivery, shopping, and laundry, helping people remain safe and well in their own homes. Alongside this, we run our new ‘Lunch and Learn’ programme — a time-limited series of sessions where service users are invited into the centre for a shared meal followed by a skills-based workshop. Topics include digital skills, money management, wellbeing, and access to relevant local services. The aim is to build confidence, develop practical skills, and support people to connect with wider community services, ensuring positive progression and avoiding long-term dependency. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide comprehensive training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements. 

Main purpose of the role: 

• Welcome and engage with service users attending the Lunch and Learn sessions. 

• Help create a friendly and supportive environment that encourages confidence, participation, and positive social interaction. 

• Assist with the smooth running of both the lunch and learning elements of the session. 

• Support service users to take part in activities, while encouraging independence and signposting to staff where needed. 

Tasks will include: 

• Supporting set-up and planning for service users before they arrive. 

• Greeting service users on arrival and guiding them to seats or facilities if required. 

• Serving lunch and helping to create a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. 

• Chatting with service users and encouraging their participation in the session, referring any questions or concerns to staff. 

• Assisting the speaker/facilitator during the learning activity (e.g. handing out materials, supporting group engagement). 

• Helping with clear-up after the event has finished. 

• Maintain knowledge of local services for signposting. 

• Reporting risks & safeguarding concerns. 

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

What you will receive in return: 

• Training in skills that will include mental health awareness and boundaries. 

• Training in adult safeguarding and local procedures. 

• Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

• *Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.

Project overview: 

Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people in Kingston. We provide services such as Hot Lunch delivery, Shopping, and Laundry delivered into people’s homes, with our aim to support older people to remain independent in their own homes. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements. 

Main purpose of the role: 

• Support and assist the cook in the kitchen. 

• Assisting with food preparation. 

• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen. 

Tasks will include: 

• Washing pots, pans, and utensils. 

• Cleaning and sanitising food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces. 

• Adhering to Food Safety Agency standards. 

• Washing, peeling, cutting, and chopping vegetables and other ingredients. 

• Assisting with organisation of food storage. 

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

What you will receive in return: 

• Training in food safety and hygiene.

• Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

• *Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.

Bright Futures UK is looking for compassionate and knowledgeable beauty professionals to mentor a young person living with long-term illnesses. 

"The mentoring sessions with my volunteer were the perfect fit! I've loved working with them." - J (18 years old)

What will you be doing? 

• Run six mentoring sessions online for one hour a week, supported by our Programme Team
• Offer advice and insights related to nail tech skills
• Help the young person explore potential career paths in the beauty/nail tech industry
• Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire and motivate. 
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report any concerns to BFUK

What are we looking for? 

• Expertise in beauty industry: Profound knowledge and experience in beauty, preferably in areas like nail design, techniques and trends. 
• Mentoring and Communication: Ability to mentor effectively, offering guidance and support to a young person with clarity and empathy. 
• Flexibility and Commitment: Willingness to commit to at least 5-6 weeks of 1-hour sessions 

What difference will you make? 

• By volunteering as a Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in empowering a young person to take control of their health and future, helping them to achieve their goals despite the challenges they face. 

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Do you want to be part of an innovative, passionate and dedicated team? Help us in our mission to save lives at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Join our friendly retail team at our new Canvey Island shop.

Why we need you: We are looking for volunteers to help Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) by assisting in our new outlet . The role will support the Shop Manager and Assistant Shop Manager to ensure the smooth running of the shop.

What will you be doing?

·    Assisting with the donations of stock, by sorting and steaming and preparing for shop floor

·    Maintaining good stock levels and helping with stock rotation

·    Manning the till, including taking card payments and Gift Aid sign-up

·    Greeting customers in a friendly and approachable manner

·    Helping with visual merchandising  plus other tasks when needed 

You will have fun, while sharing your experience or learning new skills. We pay expenses and offer uniform, newsletters and dedicated events to our wonderful volunteers - be part of something special. 

FareShare Merseyside redistributes quality surplus food to over 232 community-based organisations who are working with vulnerable people across the region and parts of North Wales. We are keen to expand our reach, actively looking to recruit charity members who want to help us in our Warehouse, Vans, and Kitchen.

Volunteering with FareShare Merseyside

Our volunteers are at the heart of our service, with an amazing team of almost 100 volunteers, who ensure quality surplus food reaches those most in need in all communities in our region.  As a thank you for their support, we hold regular wellbeing social events and offer pathways onto our employability program.

Why we need you:

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that food is safely delivered to our Community Food Members or collected from our food suppliers.  A standard driving licence is all you need to deliver our food once or twice a week to children’s clubs, homeless hostels and refuges in your area.

What will I be doing?

• Safely driving vans to deliver and collect food 
• Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner at all times  
• Completing all relevant paperwork  
• Planning routes, sorting food, picking orders, loading and unloading.  
• Carrying out routine checks on the vans, taking responsibility for the vans throughout the day and reporting accidents or damage to the van or other vehicles 
• Assist in the maintenance of the vans including cleaning

What we need you to be:

• Minimum of 18 years old and hold a full, clean driving licence
• Confident to drive a medium-sized van (experience is preferable) 
• Good at map reading and/or able to use a Sat Nav system 
• Positive, friendly and personable, able to interact well with different people
• Enthusiastic about tackling food waste and/or food poverty 
• Able to perform physical tasks including lifting and loading 
• Good with numbers, identifying different foods, writing clearly 
• Able to work effectively and use your initiative in a fast-paced environment
• Able to work well in a team and on your own  
• Able to follow FareShare’s policies & procedures 
• Flexible – there may be times when we ask you to help on other projects/tasks 

What will I get out of it?

• An active and sociable role
• Development of skills such as route planning, organising and communication skills
• Support and supervision from the Regional Volunteer Manager  
• An induction and training for the role  
• Reasonable travel expenses and a free lunch 
• A fun and friendly place to work 
• The opportunity to take on new challenges  
• A work reference for those who have satisfactorily committed to at least 3 months 
• The opportunity to support a great cause and give something back to your community 

Evening and Weekend  Retail Volunteers  - We have multiple Volunteer Opportunities in Acorns Children's Hospice Superstore in Bescot.

Acorns have a network of shops across the West Midlands that generate a substantial level of income to enable us to care for children and their families. 

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Bescot Superstore. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between.
 

Retail Assistant

• Providing excellent customer service and engaging with customers.
• Accepting, sorting, and organising donated stock.
• Pricing items for sale in accordance with store guidelines.
• Operating the till and assisting with customer purchases.
• Managing returns, exchanges, and refunds following store policies.
• Providing a friendly and efficient service to customers.
   

How Much Time will it take

Volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm each evening. You’re welcome to choose the days and times that suit you best; however, we kindly ask for a minimum commitment of two hours per week to support the shop. On weekends, you may volunteer at any time and are welcome to be flexible with your hours.

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• Achieve a sense of wellbeing that you are helping your local community
• To connect with like-minded people and make new friends
• To enhance your CV by learning new skills and gain valuable experience
• We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering
• You’ll get Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
• You’ll receive free mandatory and role specific training

Full training will be provided

Do you have a passion for cooking or interest in working in a kitchen environment? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our kitchen volunteer position at the hospice.

Good food is central to the care we provide, from catering for specialist dietary needs in the everyday, to special occasions such as our annual memorial event.

The kitchen is situated immediately off the main lounge, the central hub of the Hospice, where families come together to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our talented head chef and his team.

For our children and their families, mealtimes provide comfort, a sense of normality and a chance to socialize. Without the stress of shopping, planning and clearing up - we take the pressure off.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 18+

Time commitment: Mondays and Fridays

.Location: This role will be based at the Tŷ Hafan Hospice in Sully assisting the kitchen staff. The kitchen is situated immediately off the lounge, the central hub of the Hospice, where families come together to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our talented head chef and the team.

Activities you could be involved in:  

• Keeping the dining area neat and tidy by clearing away plates and crockery

• Help with food preparation

• For experienced chefs and bakers, there is an opportunity to get involved in cooking meals and baking goods

• Wash dishes and utensils with kitchen equipment

• Serve tea/coffee and food with a smile

• Chat with staff, families and children and make them feel welcome

 At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

What skills will you need?

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to follow procedures and health and safety requirements

• Physical strength to lift, carry and stand for long periods of time

• Knowledge of Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Procedures

• Inclusive and non-judgmental attitude towards families, volunteers, staff and visitors

Here's what you can expect from our training:

• You will receive a comprehensive induction

• You will learn about health and safety in the kitchen

• You will have the opportunity to earn your food hygiene certificate

• You will work with friendly and supportive kitchen staff and volunteers

• Opportunities to complete relevant e-learning

Benefits of becoming a Kitchen Volunteer

• You can make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families by providing them with nutritious and delicious meals

• You can learn new skills and gain valuable experience in food preparation, service and safety

• You can meet new people and join a community of compassionate and dedicated volunteers who share your passion for cooking and helping others

• You can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to a meaningful cause

• You can express your creativity and personality through your cooking and baking

• You will receive feedback and appreciation from hospice staff and guests

We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees and an Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Tŷ Hafan will cover the costs of any background checks and we will contact you with details on completing a DBS, once your application is successful.

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and engaging tutors to provide educational support to primary aged pupils in Maths and English and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses.

"My student's confidence has come miles forward and my favourite part of the week is working with her on her maths and English!" - Primary Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

• Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

• Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS1 and KS2 Maths and English. 

• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of Primary Maths and English Curriculum. 

• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

• Experience working with SEN learners is an advantage

• Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

• You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What difference will you make? 

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

What will you gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided

• Safeguarding Level One Training

• Skill Development opportunities

• Direct experience working with children and young people

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Project overview: 

The Peer Support Group is one of our newest services at Mind in Kingston, and focuses on resilience, mindfulness, and goal-setting for individuals with low-level health problems. Support will be offer through groups of up to 8 participants, meeting regularly in person and virtually, over a period of 8 weeks. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. Volunteers are essential to our work, and we welcome applicants with lived experience of mental health challenges. We provide comprehensive training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements.

Tasks will include: 

• Co-lead and facilitate the peer support groups.

• Provide emotional support and guidance to group members,

• Help participants identify and build on their strengths, coping strategies, and resilience.

• Establish and maintain clear boundaries and expectations for group members.

• Manage conflicts or challenging situations that may arise during group sessions.

• Collaborate with the supervisor/coordinator to plan and prepare session content, activities, and materials.

• Ensure sessions are engaging, relevant, and tailored to the group's needs.

• Help maintain accurate records of group attendance.

• Provide feedback and updates to the supervisor/coordinator as required.

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

Essential skills and experience: 

• Proven experience in leading groups or facilitating workshops.

• Experience in supporting individuals with mental health issues, either through personal experience or professional background.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in a group setting 

What you will receive in return: 

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. 

• Gain experience in group facilitation and peer support. 

• Develop skills in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

• Safe handling and return of any equipment issued. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults. 

RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee to help us manage the Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch. As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, decisions deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity. Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated. More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community. So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

You will hold the organisation accountable, ensure compliance and be an ambassador, promoting the good work we do and encouraging our teams to continue their efforts to support animal welfare.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training). You will have leadership experience gained in any sector and a passion for animal welfare. You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams and manage change. You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities. You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

You will be a full part of the team leading this charity. Your voice will be heard and you will help guide the charity and decide its direction. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, build something new and really make your mark. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee

• Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
• Delivering a real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
• You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age. This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch!

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Could you support SSAFA volunteers in your area with the I.T they need to support our clients? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T skills, patience, and the ability to get on with a wide range of people. If you have training experience, that would be great but not essential. Get in touch to find out more.

What is an I.T Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each one has an I.T Coordinator to support all volunteers to make the most of the internet-based systems we use in our work with clients. This is a key role involving supporting people of all ages sharing skills.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We use internet-based systems to offer the best possible service to our clients and SSAFA volunteers. Some of our volunteers already have I.T skills while some do not. Could you be a friendly face to help volunteers with their computing questions?

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

A key aspect to this role will be supporting volunteers by running workshops, drop-ins or supporting individual volunteers by phone or at their homes.

The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular commitment to the branch, but days and times could vary to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Supporting volunteers to use computers and software relevant to their SSAFA role.
• Helping to resolve I.T issues, seeking assistance from Central Office where necessary.
• Assisting in the role out of new I.T initiatives including the testing of software
• Becoming the branch expert on the SSAFA Finance Management System and Client Management system
• Supporting all volunteers to act in accordance with the data protection policy, reporting any breaches to the branch secretary and seeking advice from Central Office as needed.
• Working with Regional Trainer, branch volunteers and the Learning and Development team to identify local training needs and arrange for the required courses to be delivered.
• Supporting and encouraging any volunteers facing barriers to completing their training
• Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit others.
• Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to clients as well as providing development opportunities for our volunteers.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from your local branch secretary.
• Support from the relevant teams at Central Office
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Competence in the general use of laptops and tablets and experience of using Microsoft Office 365
• Good written and spoken English.
• Experience of running small workshops/training sessions etc.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to use the I.T systems relevant to their role.
• Reliable attitude, contacts volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings, events etc.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Trustee of Sandhurst Day Centre Association, with a focus on strategic oversight of facilities & building management 

Do you want to support and improve the running of our services for older people, with an oversight of our building?

You could be a trustee for Sandhurst Day Centre Association, our charity that provides activities and social time for local older people, in our bespoke Centre.

Developed in the 1970s and first Registered in 1983, the charity is an unincorporated Association, with work in progress to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

In 2024, the Centre turned over ~£300k, an increase from previous years, with a small surplus made. The Centre Manager, employees and volunteers are responsible for day-to-day running, while trustees offer strategic oversight of operations, planning for the future.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in services for older people, and we’d expect all trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We are looking for a new trustee to add additional professional input to the running of the building and its facilities. The role will aid the Centre Manager by offering analyses of Health & Safety, building management and the physical environment. You will bring relevant knowledge, skills and experience in these and associated areas.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees, volunteers and employees is expected.   

We ask for about five hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is attached to this advert, with more further information and application to Brian Wilson, SDCA trustee, via Apply Now, below.

Your CV (or similar) and Cover Letter will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.