Community living volunteer roles in edinburgh, scotland
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
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. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.
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.
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
- Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
- Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
- Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system
- Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
- Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
- Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- 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
- Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support 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?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
- 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 additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
- Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
- Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
- 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 with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
- Good communication skills both written and verbally.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
- Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.
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? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.
Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.
This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.
Why Join Us?
Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.
But the rewards? They’re immense:
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You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.
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You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.
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You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.
Your Role
As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities:
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Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)
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Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)
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Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support
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Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)
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Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines
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Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns
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Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers
What You’ll Bring
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Clear, friendly written and verbal communication
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Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline
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Strong organisation and time management skills
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Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
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A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work
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Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more
Time Commitment
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Flexible and remote
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Around 2 to 5 hours per week
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We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family
What You’ll Gain
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Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination
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Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio
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Real-world charity sector experience
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Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team
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A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need
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References available on request
How to Apply
Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!).
We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.
Providing funded respite breaks for families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.
Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?
With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.
As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.
If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.
Trustee - Role Description
Duties of a Trustee are as follows:
- To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
- To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
- To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
- To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
- To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
- To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
- To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
- In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
- To represent Action for ME as appropriate.
Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.
We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.
We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.
Trustee - Person Specification
All Trustees must demonstrate:
- A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
- A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:
a. Selflessness
b. Integrity
c. Objectivity
d. Accountability
e. Openness
f. Honesty
g. Leadership.
- Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).
Specific requirements:
While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:
- Scientific and/or research expertise
- Policy experience at local or national level
- Communications and/or marketing expertise.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:
- Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
- A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
- A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.
Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.
You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.
Equity of access
We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!
We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about arts and social
justice, who wants to make a difference and is able to compliment our
Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and Executive Director as we work
together to develop the impact and profile of Cardboard Citizens. We
believe that the need for Cardboard Citizens is as urgent as it ever has
been with the current external environment and the challenges for our
communities with experience of homelessness and poverty.
Whilst we’d like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and
experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in any
of the following areas:
·Digital, New Media
·Communications / public relations
·Environment & Sustainability
·Development
·Strategic partnerships
The general attributes we’re looking for in potential Trustees include:
·Good judgement
·An ability to think creatively and strategically
·An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
·Effective interpersonal skills
·An active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
·An ability to command trust and respect
·An understanding and acceptance of a Trustee’s legal duties and
responsibilities
·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required
What we ask of you:
·To serve an initial term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment
until 8 consecutive years’ service has been reached.
·To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year, committee meetings as
required, as well as an annual Away Day.
·To attend events, performances, workshops and other engagements, to
gain a full experience of the breadth of Cardboard Citizens work.
·To sit on one of the Board’s Committees.
·To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.
·To advocate and champion Cardboard Citizens’ work, values, ambition,
and strategic direction.
In total, Trustees usually commit the equivalent of 10 days per annum to
their role.
What you can expect from us:
·The opportunity to help shape the future direction of a dynamic theatre
company driving social change, and be part of an active, loyal, and
engaged group of Trustees.
·Flexibility when it comes to attending meetings either in person or
remotely via video call.
·A full Trustee induction with current Trustees and permanent staff.
·Regular training and development opportunities.
·An offer of an annual 1-2-1 with the Chair.
Please note that Trustee roles are voluntary and therefore unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’re not sure because of,
for example, your working hours, employment status, caring
responsibilities, level of experience, socio-economic or cultural
background or access needs. We would still love to hear from you so we
can talk about any concerns.
We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with
different experiences, skills, and stories to join us and influence and
develop our working practice. By taking positive action around diversity
(as permitted in the Equality Act 2010), we will offer initial conversations
to candidates who self-identify with any of the following groups that we
have identified as underrepresented in our workforce and the wider
cultural sector:
People of African, Caribbean, South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian,
or mixed heritage, and others who identify as part of the Global
Majority
Candidates with lived experience of homelessness or poverty
Deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent candidates
LGBTQIA+ candidates
Candidates with care experience (e.g., those who have been in foster
care, residential care, or other forms of local authority care)
What to send
Either:
Letter (no more than 2 sides of A4)
OR
Video (no more than 5 minutes)
OR
Audio (no more than 5 minutes)
telling us why you are interested in the role and what skills and
experience you would bring to Cardboard Citizens
An up-to-date CV
Contact details for one referee who knows you professionally
A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form linked to the
vacancy page on our website. The information on the monitoring
forms is anonymous.
Please send your application by 26 September. Interviews will be
planned at a mutually convenient time in the week of 6 October. Please
let us know some availability when you apply.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.
If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Executive Leadership Team here at Youth4Youth to drive positive change in all things volunteer engagement. As an entirely volunteer run organisation, positive engagement with volunteers is absolutely fundamental in allowing Youth4Youth to achieve its mission. It is so fundamental that one of our overarching strategic goals is to ensure that all volunteers have a positive and meaningful volunteering experience when working with us. The Volunteer Experience Director will play a critical role in setting strategy and executing solutions to improve the overall volunteer experience.
Responsibilities
Short term objectives:
- Define the volunteering proposition for the Charity, helping new and existing volunteers to understand the impact of working with Youth4Youth
- Manage a project to understand gaps in volunteer engagement and experience, generating recommendations back to the ELT
- Develop a volunteer experience strategy that improves engagement and the overall volunteering experience of all involved with Youth4Youth
Overall objectives and responsibilities:
- Lead a team of volunteers who are involved in supporting a positive volunteering experience with the charity
- Develop and execute a volunteer experience strategy that seeks to attract, engage and retain high-quality volunteers into all teams across the charity
- Partner effectively with the broader charity leadership team to understand engagement challenges and implement solutions to close engagement gaps
- Report to the CEO and the Board of Trustees on any strategic progress made around improving volunteer engagement
Skills
- Ability to manage complex projects, including the direct and indirect management and coordination of people resources
- Ability to understand complex problems and articulate solutions in a clear, concise and understandable manner
- Demonstrable blue-sky thinking that encourages the implementation of new solutions that may not have been considered before
- Ability to influence both with and without authority to drive positive and meaningful change at all levels and across all departments
Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.
Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth
We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:
- Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
- Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
- Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
- Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries
The hiring process
Our hiring process typically has two stages
- Video or Written Application (when applicable)
- Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role
Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.
Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.
To ensure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support, enabling them to realise their full potential, thrive in everyday life
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.
If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.
About the role
The Finance Officer plays an important role within Youth4Youth, partnering closely with the leadership team to ensure compliance with financial policies and budgets. They will also support the charity in demonstrating its impact by developing monthly KPI reporting packs to be distributed internally.
Responsibilities
- Reporting to the CEO and partnering with the Executive Leadership Team, the Finance Officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance with financial policies and ensuring that all transactions are appropriately recorded and evidenced.
- Support the annual budgeting exercise and work to provide regular reports and updates to the Executive Leadership Team on budget progress.
- Partner with the Fundraising Team to support the development of fundraising bids, and ensure plans are in place to deliver income requirements.
- Develop and compile monthly KPI packs to the Leadership Team for internal distribution that is focused on demonstrating impact and charity performance.
Skills
- General understanding of business finances, although no formal qualification is required.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate at a senior level with multiple stakeholders.
- Ability to influence without authority.
- Strong analytical capabilities.
- Strong IT literacy, including experience in working with financial systems (such as Xero)
Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.
Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth
We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:
- Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
- Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
- Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
- Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries
The hiring process
Our hiring process typically has two stages
- Video or Written Application (when applicable)
- Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role
Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.
Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.
To ensure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support, enabling them to realise their full potential, thrive in everyday life
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.
We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.
Position Overview
Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:
- Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They escalate safeguarding alerts to the shift's Designated Safeguarding Lead (a trained professional). They also complete a 'Shift Handover' document once the shift is completed.
- Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.
As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary. We are looking to fill the following positions and shifts:
- Leader, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
- Leader, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Fridays (7pm - 10pm)
- Leader, Saturdays (TBC*)
- Mentor, Saturdays (TBC*)
- Leader, Sundays (5pm - 7pm)
*We are currently finalising future opening hours on Saturday. Please apply for this particular shift if general availabilty on Saturdays is good.
Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are 2-3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.
Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.
The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:
- Are strongly committed to helping others
- Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
- Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
- Are encouraging and supportive
- Are organised and can monitor several things at once
- Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
- Are 18 years and over
- Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift
Role Responsibilities
- Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
- Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
- Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
- Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
- Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
- Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
- If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
- Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
- Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
- Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.
Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chair of Trustees – School Library Association
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person events
Time commitment: One day per week
Term: 3-year term (term renewable once; a maximum of six years)
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Deadline to apply: 25th September
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for reading and equity in education? Do you want to help shape the future of school libraries and support the next generation of readers?
This is a pivotal moment for the School Library Association (SLA). With a new CEO, a refreshed staff team, and bold plans to launch a new organisational strategy, we are looking for a dynamic and ambitious Chair of Trustees to join us.
We punch well above our weight as a small national charity with big ambitions. You will be joining at a time of transformation, as we strengthen our funding pipeline, build corporate and strategic partnerships, and grow our visibility on the national stage. We recently represented the SLA at Downing Street for the Government’s Year of Reading, and the opportunity to drive systemic change in support of school libraries has never been greater.
We are looking for a Chair who:
- Brings strategic leadership and sound financial oversight
- Can support and challenge the CEO in equal measure
- Has strong relationship-building skills and ambassadorial presence
- Is excited to help shape a new strategy and governance structure
- Shares our passion for reading, education, and inclusion
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Download the recruitment pack and apply by 25th September 2025.
Helping schools develop vibrant reading and learning communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mothers’ Union (MU) is a women-led, volunteer movement founded in 1876, with a membership of some 4 million worldwide. It is a movement based on Christian fellowship, with members driven to express their faith through action in their local communities, aiming to create a world where every individual can reach their full potential, by stopping poverty, injustice and violence.
We are a federated international movement with the central Charity, Mothers’ Union, registered and operating in England, sitting at the centre of the global movement. We connect and support the global movement to achieve its aims and objects and thus transform the lives of women and families around the world.
The Central Charity is governed by an international Board of Trustees, made up of elected leaders from within the global movement and also appointed external experts to fill identified skills gaps.
The Trustees collectively are responsible to the global membership for ensuring that the Central Charity achieves its core purposes. This is achieved through overseeing the management and administration of operations and ensuring that the charity has a clear strategy and that operations and goals are in line with that vision.
The Worldwide Board comprises:
- Worldwide President (elected)
- 11 Zonal Trustees (elected)
- Up to four appointed trustees, with expertise to complement the skills and experience of the elected Board members.
All Board members have voting rights.
Zones: The list of Provinces as allocated to Zones is given in the detailed role specification. Elections are held every 3 years, and the current Board took up office in 2025. The appointed trustees are also appointed for up to 2 terms of 3 years each. However, these do not need to be co-terminus with the elected trustees.
This is un UNPAID position
General Responsibilities of All Trustees:
- To participate actively in Board discussion, to ensure that the Board takes appropriate steps to determine the organisation’s vision and mission, by engaging in strategic planning and tracking progress towards achievement of strategic goals.
- To approve and monitor the organisation’s operational plans and budgets.
- To safeguard the assets and resources of the charity and provide effective financial, risk and operational oversight, by the proper consideration of management accounts, external audits, risk reviews, policies and internal procedures and controls.
- To ensure organisational compliance with all statutory duties and sector best practice.
- To ensure adequate financial resources are available to carry out the work of the whole organisation by consideration and approval of subscription levels and alternative income streams worldwide.
- To enhance the organisation’s public image by participating in activities that promote a positive image of Mothers’ Union, recognising that we need to challenge stereotypes rather than contribute to their perpetuation.
Particular Focus for the Trustee with expertise in Finance:
The elected Board members conducted a skills audit and determined that they do not have strong backgrounds in finance and resources management. The role of the Finance trustee would be to ensure that the appropriate level of support and challenge is given by the Board to management to discharge their duties effectively, be a critical friend to the Director of Finance and Services and be an active member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
They will be asked to provide a particular focus on ensuring that key strategic initiatives, including the ongoing development of IT systems, the potential future sale of the building, Mary Sumner House, and the implementation of the fundraising strategy are executed in line with agreed parameters
All trustees are asked to:
- have an active commitment to Christian faith;
- be committed to the aim and objects of Mothers’ Union;
- be confident with virtual communication and have an ability to access an appropriate device and the internet easily;
- be able to travel internationally if required;
- be in a good state of health, mental and physical, to enable them to discharge their duties fully and well.
- devote the time required to this critical role
A strong Candidate for Finance Trustee would have many of the following attributes, skills and experience:
- CCAB Qualified finance professional (or QBE)
- Experience of operating at Board level and of the charity sector
- An understanding of membership organisations
- Experience of Audit and Risk Committees and engaging with external advisors
- Experience of risk management
- Experience of project evaluation and funding
- Experience of change management
- Basic knowledge of Charity SORP and GDPR requirements
- IT competent
- Proven ability to communicate finance information clearly to non-finance professionals
- An understanding of the governance responsibilities and accountabilities of a Board member of a major international Charity
Additional Information:
What is the time commitment in a three-year period?
In a three-year term of office, Trustees are expected to attend three residential Trustee meetings (one per year) each lasting around 5 days, generally in the UK. We recognise that this may be challenging for professionals, so attendance for at least one day of the week would be acceptable. In addition, at least a further 3 virtual formal meetings a year, each comprising roughly 2 hours starting at 12.00 UK time. The Board may also choose to meet informally on a number of further occasions for fellowship or capability development, virtually, by mutual agreement – it is recognised that this may not be feasible for an active professional.
Written material is circulated to Trustees prior to each meeting. Trustees are expected to read and study the material before the meeting and any follow up material after the meeting.
The specialist trustee for finance will additionally prepare for and attend the quarterly Audit and Risk meetings which take place on Zoom, each lasting 2-3 hours
The specialist trustee may be asked to be available to the Director of Finance and Resources as a sounding board, and to provide input on a time-limited basis to strategic projects
Who will this Trustee work with/relate to in the role?
1. Worldwide President, Chief Executive, fellow Trustees and Leadership Team members
2. Mothers’ Union members from around the world.
3. Finance team
Work Location
This role can be performed fully remotely most of the time.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV and a Cover Letter via Charity Jobs. The Cover Letter should clearly outline how your skills match the main responsibilities of the role.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is 17 September 2025 at 5:00 pm. Due to the number of applications we may receive, we will not be able to individually respond to each applicant. Kindly note, we will only be getting in touch with the applicants shortlisted for an interview. We aim to get in touch with the shortlisted candidates after the application deadline. We will be conducting interviews for suitable candidates as we go along and may fill the role before the closing date.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.